DPM: Polls likely before April 30

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today said that the general election may be called in a "few weeks" time, ahead of the April 30 deadline for Parliament to be automatically dissolved.

"I do not think the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak) will wait the full five years before dissolving Parliament.

"Elections will be held within the next few weeks," said Muhyiddin in his speech during the launch of the Federal Territory-level 'Himpunan Barisan 1 Malaysia' gathering at Titiwangsa Stadium here.

The gathering, held as part of a larger nationwide engagement series, was attended by representatives from about 700 non-governmental organisations and uniformed bodies from the Federal Territories.

Muhyiddin also reminded the gathered crowd to vote for a capable and dependable government, regaling them with the country's achievements since Independence.

"If I were to tell you about all of Malaysia's achievements, we will not go home until tomorrow," he declared.

In his speech, Muhyiddin also made repeated jabs at Pakatan Rakyat parties, repeating allegations that its leaders were promoting a "deviant culture" which goes against the norms of Muslims and Malaysians in general.

"I am not here to campaign but since you have given me a microphone, what could I do?" he said.

Also present at the event were widows of the 10 national heroes who had died in combat in Lahad Datu, and donations amounting to RM115,000 were also channelled to the National Heroes Fund.

A video presentation titled "Ops Daulat" screened earlier also evoked strong emotions from those gathered, with many seen shedding tears upon recital of a prayer in honour of the heroes' sacrifice for the country's sovereignty.

Among Federal Territory-level NGOs involved in the gathering include Perkasa and Umno Overseas Club.

Himpunan Barisan 1 Malaysia secretariat chairman Datuk Ahmad Maslan said that the day's event was held to mobilise support from NGOs, making a point to declare that there was no BN or Umno symbol on display.