BALIK PULAU: Political parties should forget about the general election for the moment and concentrate on the people's needs first, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

       The Works Minister said regardless of which political party they belong to, politicians should put the people's and the country's needs before their personal interests.

       "We (must) take care of the health and economic crisis we are facing, including what is going on in the world.

       "We need to focus on the steps and strategies needed to ensure our economy improves.

       "If our economy is better, we will have more resources to look after the welfare of our people," he told a press conference after an event to mark the completion of the Titi Kerawang bridge and road project in Balik Pulau.

       A reporter had asked if there was a need to hold the general election soon.

       Fadillah replied that in his view, the people's welfare should be the main concern of all politicians for now.

       "Focus on that until we improve the situation in the country, whether it's health or economy. Then we can look at holding the election," he said.

       In any event, he added, Malaysia was a democratic country and a process was in place. The prime minister would need to refer to the Cabinet and then speak to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before deciding on a general election.

       The 15th General Election must be held by July next year, but there has been talk that it may be held earlier.

       On a separate matter, Fadillah said the Public Works Department (PWD) at state and national level would be willing to offer its expertise to the Penang government on the Penang Transport Master Plan if asked.

       He said the plan was not under his purview as it was a state project.

       "On the part of PWD, we will provide technical advice and whatever input is required by the state government.

       "We are a technical agency and if the state needs further expertise, we at the national level are ready to provide it," he said.

       The master plan is a multibillion-ringgit project encompassing a wide range of public transport modes and new road systems in the state.