PONTIAN: Top Umno leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, are currently discussing the right time to call for the 15th General Election.

       The party’s secretary general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said that the top leaders were Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and the three vice presidents including Ismail Sabri.

       "They are now discussing it frequently with party leaders, giving Umno’s views on the matter while Ismail Sabri is representing on behalf of the government to find the right date in having the general election.

       "Umno has given their views and the Prime Minister has his own views as well, but there will be a decision made on when is the right time to hold a general election," he added.

       Ahmad Maslan, who was also Pontian MP, said this after officiating the Pontian parliamentary youth excellence award held at Dewan Muafakat Sungai Pinggan here on Saturday (Dec 11).

       He also said Ahmad Zahid has stated many times before that the party would always support the leadership of Ismail Sabri as the Prime Minister.

       When asked if Barisan Nasional component parties would be invited in the discussion, Ahmad Maslan said Barisan recently organised a retreat attended by all Barisan leaders, including MCA and MIC presidents.

       "All Barisan leaders attended the retreat and we discussed the matter as well," he said.