KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 – As suspense to the dissolution of parliament builds up, political parties and the Election Commission (EC) have expressed confidence in facing the 13th general election. Barisan Nasional (BN) Publicity and Information Bureau chairman Datuk Ahmad Maslan(pic) said the information machinery had held briefings and talks nationwide with the one in Sabah tomorrow the last.
“We have to work non stop until the general election. Everything is ready, we are just waiting to unveil the manifesto and candidates,” said the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department when contacted here today.
Ahmad said BN’s manifesto is usually launched after the dissolution of parliament while the candidates for parliamentary amd state seats will be announced before nomination day. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is busy as usual with his daily schedule in Putrajaya while tomorrow, he is scheduled to attend several programmes in Pahang. Meanwhile, EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said like other people, he is also waiting for announcement on the dissolution of parliament.
“Until that day, EC will continue to make improvements to ensure smooth running of the general election including cleaning up the electoral roll.”
He said tomorrow, a briefing for Federal Territory returning officers and assistant returning officers will be held. It is the final briefing. Some 13,291,385 people can vote if general election is called soon. Those who registered in first quarter 2013 can still vote if parliament and state assemblies were dissolved at end April and polling day held after 60 days.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said in his Twitter site, the MCA members are in high spirits and ready for the general election. PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub said the party made preparation since last year for the most challenging general election yet. On the candidates, he said the list was 99 percent completed and will feature scholars, professionals, social activists and women.
BERNAMA
