PM quashes speculation over snap polls
Malaysiakini
Oct  5, 2006

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today quashed speculation that he could call a snap election this year, saying he had no reason to go to the ballot box.
The speculation was triggered when the ruling Umno decided to postpone internal party polls until after the next general election which could be three years away.

"Why should I? Give me a reason why I should," Abdullah said when asked by reporters whether he would call an early vote.

"Why should I seek a bigger mandate? The mandate that I have is a very safe mandate and I still have a lot of time to deliver what I promised to the people," he said.

Malaysia's last general election was in March 2004 when Abdullah won a landslide. Malaysia must see a general election within five years, with the latest possible date of March 2009.

Abdullah, who is also Umno president, has been embroiled in a bitter row with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, which has raised fears of divisions within Umno. Mahathir has accused Abdullah of nepotism and making unwise policy decisions.

Abdullah has also faced criticism from the ranks of Umno for weak leadership and failing to live up to his election promises of battling corruption.

Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang has said that Abdullah may resort to elections to avoid an internal leadership challenge.

The premier's heir apparent, his deputy Najib Razak, has also downplayed the speculation, saying the focus should now be on strengthening the party. - AFP