PRU -13 : Apa PM Kata

GE13: PM wants to tie up loose ends before calling for polls

Many dates have been speculated for the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat. They have all come and gone, leaving many a little tired of all the talk of “impending elections” that has been going on for more than a year now.

But there are good reasons for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak not to call for national polls just yet.

I can think of at least four. Not in any particular order, let's take first the intrusion of the Sulu gunmen in Lahad Datu and Semporna and the surrounding areas which took us all by surprise. Even as the security forces are mopping up these areas, we still hear of shootouts every now and then.

With many parliamentary and state constituencies affected by the intrusion, it would be impossible for politicians to go there to campaign freely. These include the Silam and Semporna parliamentary constituencies and the Lahad Datu, Tungku and Kunak state seats.

Najib is certain to want to add to his record of achievements before the polls. He would have completed four years in office on April 3. He is a very methodical person. He likes to follow things a certain way. He's very punctual and meticulous and he has said that he wants to complete a lot of things before he calls for polls.

So I think there are still some things that he wants to settle and maybe put some finishing touches to his favourite projects. He may have a few more programmes to announce in his fourth-year report card. Then there is the Barisan Nasional list of candidates, which I understand has yet to be finalised.

Who will contest and where will all have to be settled before Najib can call for the 13th general election. I am told he will meet Barisan component party leaders today to tie up loose ends. Another consideration is the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, which ends this Saturday.

So, has all the waiting caused “speculation fatigue”?

Yes and no.

Yes, because many Malaysians have put their lives on hold, postponing holidays and business plans and the like in anticipation of the elections.

No, because guessing when the Dewan Rakyat will be dissolved and elections called is still the favourite game in town.

However, speculation that Parliament could be dissolved in the coming days continues to be rife.