A letter by Barisan Nasional secretary general Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, directing BN elected representatives and senators to update their bio-data with the coalition headquarters, has fuelled speculation that a snap polls will be called soon.

The letter dated May 21, a copy of which was made available to malaysiakini, stated that the BN headquarters is in the process of updating information on its elected representatives and senators.

Mohd Radzi instructed recipients to fill an attached form and to submit it by June 21. [View letter here ]

According to BN sources, such exercises are usually performed three months prior to a general election, in order to allow chairperson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the police to scrutinise the background of candidates, in particular those who have generated controversy.

Mohd Radzi's letter is among several recent indicators that Abdullah, who is also prime minister, will call snap polls although the current mandate will not expire until early 2009.

Last Tuesday, Abdullah's deputy in Umno, Najib Abdul Razak, chaired a meeting with BN component party leaders to gauge their preparedness to face the general election.

Najib reportedly told those present that the general election will be held early next year.

Last drive in 2004

When contacted, numerous MCA and Gerakan elected representatives gave varied responses on the matter. Some recalled that the last data collection drive was shortly after the 2004 general election.

First-term parliamentarian for Kota Melaka, Wong Nai Chee of MCA, said he was unware that BN holds such exercises three months prior to the general elections.

"(However), I believe this is in preparation for the general election. It saves time when the general election is close," said Wong.

Bukit Gasing statement assemblyperson Lim Thuan Seng said Gerakan asks its elected representatives to regularly update their bio-data with the party headquarters.

"It is possible that the updating process is to check on our involvement in associations, party positions, education status and other matters," he said.

Others like Yong Dai Ying (Gerakan-Bukit Lanjan), Lim Choon Kim (MCA-Damansara Utama), Lau Yeng Peng (Gerakan-Puchong) confirmed receipt of the directive and said they have complied with it.