A scheduled special press conference by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to be held at the Umno headquarters later today has fueled speculations, among them, that the 14th general election could be called.

Although some have speculated that Najib would be announcing the dissolution of Parliament, this is highly unlikely as it would be a break from convention.

Both the 12th and 13th general elections were called at the Prime Minister's Department in the presence of cabinet ministers.

Today's press conference, however, will be held at the Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The Star quoted Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi this afternoon denying that today’s press conference is about the dissolution of Parliament.

Meanwhile, checks with Sarawak BN leaders found they were not invited to the meeting. Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia where Umno does not have a presence.

The absence of other non-Umno BN leaders further indicates today's announcement would likely concern Umno affairs.

Prodigal sons and daughters?

Among the numerous speculations was that Najib would announce some form of cooperation between Umno and PAS. Malaysiakini has contacted PAS for comment and is awaiting a response.

Another is that former top Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leaders Anina Saadudin and Hamidah Osman would rejoin Umno, a speculation sparked following their resignation from Bersatu yesterday.

However, when contacted, both Anina and Hamidah denied this.

There is also talk that Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) president Mohd Shafie Apdal would rejoin Umno, but his office when contacted by Malaysiakini denied the rumour.

Warisan’s vice chief Junz Wong also separately told Malaysiakini that such a move is “impossible”.

Today's press conference will be at held at 4.45pm and all Umno supreme council members as well as menteri besar and chief ministers are expected to be present.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's working visit to Perlis was also cut short due to the special press conference.