Polls in March, Anwar predicts

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has predicted that the general election will be held in March next year.
He called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to decide on a date to give ample time for preparations, since he had already indicated signs of an early election.
"I also call upon him for a transparent election and guarantee a free media to report fairly on contesting parties," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Najib said Umno elections scheduled for next year would be held back for 18 months to focus on strengthening the party.
The party president said there was no reason to get excited over the move.
"We have done this before. There is nothing peculiar," he said, adding that the postponement was provided for in the party constitution.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Wednesday the postponement of Umno elections was not a sign of snap polls.
He reiterated the Prime Minister's statement that the decision by the Umno supreme council was made merely to strengthen the party.
"The media can speculate. As for the party, it is an appropriate move because, according to party procedure, branches will begin elections next year.
"If such a decision is not made, there'll be heavy campaigning that will affect the position of the party," he said, responding to a question on whether the decision to delay Umno polls indicated an early general election.
"What is important is the decision was made to ensure there is no juggling of positions in Umno. Now we focus on strengthening the party," he said after chairing the 66th National Land Council meeting in the Parliament building here.

tunku : how can you listen to a man that had lied to the whole world that he has the numbers and will conquer Putrajaya on 16th september 2008? anwar wants a free media report, can he make sure that all the pro opposition medias gives free and fair reports about the government? this moron can't be trusted and those who believes him comes under the moron category.for the election dates, he demanded that PM Najib to decide on the date to give ample time for preparations for them, well if you already predicted it in march, why you want the date? go ahead and do all your necessary preparation from now,MORON.