'Friends of BN' almost certain of becoming BN candidates in GE15 - Zahid

He said friends of BN were almost certain of being fielded in the next polls because of their contributions to BN in past elections.

"They (friends of BN) have helped us a lot in by-elections and state elections, so we have to be willing to discuss," he told a press conference at the end of the BN convention held in conjunction with the coalition's 48th anniversary celebration here today.

Friends of BN comprise Makkal Sakti, Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM), Malaysian Indian Progressive Front (IPF), Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (KIMMA), Malaysian United Indian Party (MUIP) and Parti Punjabi Malaysia (PPM).

Meanwhile, in his speech before thousands of members at the BN convention, Ahmad Zahid outlined five steps for BN to perform an internal paradigm shift for it to offer something which can regain the people's support.

The UMNO president said this is important for the party to move forward in efforts to steer the country back to its original path.

He said first, at the internal level, BN must be prepared to move away from the old framework for seat distribution to face GE15 based on the principle of W.A.LI. (Winnable, Acceptable and Likeable).

Second, it should put up more new faces; third, it has to be inclusive and more open to forging cooperation with anyone who accepts the BN principle and fourth, it should offer an agenda of renewal and reform to further improve organisation, governance and transparency in administration.

The fifth step is to restore Malaysia's economy to its original tracks to become a high-income developed nation, which could make it a leading investment destination in Southeast Asia.

The audience responded with a standing ovation when the Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament asked who among them wants GE15 to be held soon.

"Although some people want certainty about the timing of the election, let the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) and I discuss to determine the best time for us to face GE15.

"More than four years has passed since GE14. This means GE15 can be held anytime. BN cannot be complacent. All preparations to face the polls should have reached the highest level. We need to work and be prepared to win," he said.

Asked on discussions between the UMNO 'top five' regarding the date for dissolution of Parliament, he said several rounds of talks had been held but did not say when they last met.

The top five refer to Ahmad Zahid, deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and vice-presidents Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Ismail Sabri.'