KUALA LUMPUR: It is compulsory for all Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties to work hard, strengthen their unity and prepare to face the 15th General Election (GE15) that is likely to be called "at anytime, from now".
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this was necessary to prevent the 22-month long nightmare, which saw the political coalition losing control over the federal government after the defeat in the 14th General Election (GE14) to recur and maintain its winning streak in the past state and by-elections.
The prime minister, who is also one of the three Umno vice-presidents, said, BN should avoid from being complacent, although general barometers of acceptance showed that the people had returned to the political pact.
"When we are ready, I will not delay even for a single second to dissolve the Parliament (and make way for the general election).
"However, as agreed during the Umno General Assembly, I will discuss the matter with the 'Top Five' (leaders in the party) during the supreme council meeting.
"And today, I agree to discuss the matter with the top leadership in BN to decide on the date (for GE15)," said Ismail Sabri, who is the Bera member of Parliament, in his speech at the day-long BN's convention here today.
He said the outcome of the state polls as well as by-elections held after GE14 had clearly shown that the people's confidence had returned to BN.
"This also shows that we can offer the people political stability and capable to put the country's economy on track to prosper," he said.
On top of giving details on what the federal government under his leadership had rolled out to address the people's woes, Ismail Sabri also outlined three proposals that BN could adopt to prepare for GE15.
One of them is for BN to continue with its efforts for Malaysia to achieve a first-world work culture.
"The first-world work culture is defined as working as a team with strong discipline and unshakable loyalty towards the party.
"BN leaders and members are not only loyal during the good times but during challenging period as well," he said.
Another proposal is to exhaust all avenues to win the people's heart.
"As a prime minister, I ensure that all policies implemented by the government will only benefit the people," he said.
The third proposal is for BN to formulate a winning strategy to emerge victorious in GE15.
"The strategy must focus on strengthening the election machinery within all component parties.
"A strong BN government at the federal level will not only create political stability, but building a prosper economy in the region," he said.