Kelantan Umno is unperturbed if the PAS-led government refuses to dissolve the state assembly simultaneously with the dissolution of Parliament, said Kelantan Umno liaison committee deputy chairperson Dr Awang Adek Hussin.

He said this would give Kelantan Umno the edge to wrest the state as it would be able to muster its strength if the state and parliamentary elections were held separately.

“We are prepared for any eventualities now or two years from now,” he told reporters after visiting the Tanjung Jering polling stream in Bachok today.

He was commenting on former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s remarks yesterday that the federal government might call the general election just before the term ends in March 2013.

Mahathir was quoted as saying that four opposition-led states - Kelantan, Selangor, Penang and Kedah - might not dissolve the state assemblies simultaneously with the dissolution of Parliament.

Awang Adek, who is also deputy finance minister, said it was up to the Kelantan government to dissolve the state assembly simultaneously with the dissolution of Parliament or otherwise.

“Umno does not have any problems in dealing with any eventualities. However, I don’t think Kelantan PAS will hold the state election separately as its influence is waning while its financial position is weak,” he added.

- Bernama