Prepare for March polls: Mustafa

Dec 27: PAS secretary general Mustafa Ali (pic) said the much-anticipated 13th general election would be held in March next year. Speaking at a dinner event in Terengganu last weekend, the veteran PAS leader said he was confident with his prediction, saying domestic politics and global economic forecast were taken into account. “To me, UMNO will look at two factors before calling for an election. Firstly, that Pakatan Rakyat is under attack, and secondly, the gloomy economic outlook for next year in the wake of the economic crisis in the US and Europe,” said Mustafa. “So before Malaysia is hit, it would be better to have election first.” Mustafa urged all PAS members to fully prepare for the polls, described recently by prime minister Najib Razak as ‘mother of all battles’. 'RAHMAN' On the 'RAHMAN' theory, Mustafa remarked that many UMNO members and leaders believed in the prophecy, which places Najib as UMNO's last prime minister before its downfall. The 'RAHMAN' prophecy is so named to represent each of Malaysia's prime ministers: Abdul Rahman (R), Abdul Razak (A), Hussein Onn (H), Mahathir Mohamad (M), Abdullah Badawi (A) and Najib (N). Prior to Anwar Ibrahim's sacking and jailing, it was often argued that he would be the next prime minister after Mahathir, in conforming with the acronym. On the prospect of PAS returning to power in Terengganu, Mustafa said it could be a reality if members gave their full attention. “Terengganu UMNO has run out of ideas to face PAS, so they had been recycling some decades-old issues. This is the best time for PAS to snatch Terengganu back,” he added.