Election: PM keeps guessing game alive

Published: Friday May 6, 2011 MYT 1:43:00 PM


KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is keeping the guessing game alive over the date for the 13th general election, saying in jest that it could fall on a day or month containing his favourite number, 11.

Najib, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, said the number reflected important dates in his life, prompting many to speculate that the election might be called on Nov 11 this year, which translates into the date 11/11/11.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a one-hour special appearance at the Hot FM radio station at Sri Pentas, here, Friday morning.

When met by reporters after the programme, Najib said the date came from those whose "favourite pastime" was speculating about the election date.

"I think it's good to let this guessing game continue," he said.

Najib, however, stressed on the need for Barisan to keep the momentum going in implementing what had been set out under the Government Transformation Programme.

"The election can be held anytime, not necessarily in the month of November or on the 11th day of any month.

"This is a process; as long as the signal has not been sounded, we should continue to work," he said.

When asked whether the date was a highly probable date to hold an election, Najib said, "The date resonates with my life, but whether the election will be held on that date, God knows."

His father, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, he said, was born on March 11, 1922, while his mother Tun Rahah Noah was born on June 11, 1933.

His first son's birthday falls on the 11th and Umno was formed on May 11, 1946, Najib said.

Najib was also the 11th Mentri Besar of Pahang, holding the post between 1982 and 1986, and he is also the 11th Orang Kaya Indera Shah Bandar.

His official car bears the plate number 11. - Bernama

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/5/6/nation/20110506135050&sec=nation