PONTIAN: Umno’s top five leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, are holding talks for the best time to call the 15th General Election, says party secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

       He listed the leaders as Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and the three vice-presidents.

       “They are discussing it often for Umno’s view on the matter, while Ismail Sabri is representing the government to find the right date to hold the general election.

       “Umno has given their views, and the Prime Minister has his own views as well, but there will be a decision on when the right time will be,” he said at the Pontian parliamentary youth excellence award here yesterday.

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

       On the participation of Barisan Nasional component parties in the discussion, Ahmad Zahid said that Barisan recently organised a retreat attended by all the Barisan leaders, including the MCA and MIC presidents.