TIMES have changed where Barisan Nasional (BN) cannot simply now field any candidate in an election and expect an easy win, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said yesterday.

The prime minister said, taking into account the challenging political situation and its polemics these days, BN, unlike in old times, has to work much harder and cannot afford to be in its comfort zone.

“In the past, when we contested we were sure to win, even if we fielded a songkok, but times are changing.

“The last general election clearly showed us that merely having the confidence to win easily and win big is no more enough.

“Unlike in the past, there is no more guarantee of an easy win. We now have to work very hard,” he said in Bagan Datuk yesterday.

Ismail Sabri said BN was entering this election not merely make up the numbers but to win the polls with a handsome majority.

“We have to ensure BN becomes the dominant party in the new government. If we win just 30 to 40 seats, we will not be able to control the cabinet.

“(When there is) at least 80 seats or two-thirds (majority), only then do we have enough power for others to listen to us.

“If the party is not strong and unable to dominate, it would be difficult to make decisions and control the government,” he said.

Ismail said he dissolved parliament so that the people could elect a new government, a decision misunderstood by the opposition.

“When parliament is dissolved, the opposition should in fact be pleased because there were many accusations about the government’s legitimacy.

“Let the people decide now who should form the government. Out of the blue, they do not agree to the dissolution to the extent they want to take it to court. I do not understand what they really want,” he said. – Bernama, October 18, 2022.