Dr Mahathir Mohamad is confident that the general election will not be held soon despite the call for immediate change by Umno president Najib Razak.

NONE "I don't think that it will be held soon. There is still time," the former prime minister said when asked after the Umno general assembly ended today.

He said Najib's winding-up speech brought new spirit to Umno and answered many questions while clearing the confusion.

Mahathir said the plan by Najib and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin to visit 20,000 Umno branches would close the gap between leaders and the people.

On changes to the education system, the former Umno president said they were good but need to strictly implemented.

In his winding-up speech, Education Minister Muhyiddin said that history would be made a must pass subject for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination starting 2013 and made a core subject for primary schools.

- Bernama