Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today dismissed speculations that the Parliament would be dissolved tomorrow to pave way for the general election.


 <img align="left" alt="abdullah ballot box umno barisan 190108" height="146" src="https://i.malaysiakini.com/108/a101a726444834ddb161e4d99443a6ff.gif" title="abdullah ballot box umno barisan 190108" width="219"/>
 "No, not tomorrow," he told reporters after attending a function at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia this evening.


 He also dispelled the media&rsquo;s queries if tomorrow&rsquo;s cabinet meeting would be the last one before the election is called.


 "What makes you think it's going to be the last cabinet meeting?&rdquo; he asked.


 "The cabinet meeting will go on, go on and go on. You are the smart aleck, you all enjoy circulating the rumours," he said with a smile.


 The election fever has gained a tremendous momentum since the turn of the year with many political observers and politicians speculating that the nation&rsquo;s 12th general election would be held before the end of this March.


 Political analysts and the media had predicted that the much-awaited dissolution of the Parliament would be tomorrow (Feb 13) because 13 is the prime minister's favourite number.


 
 
 Not during Chinese New Year
 
 




 The premier also gave his assurance that only candidates who were cleared by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) would be considered to contest.


 &ldquo;The ACA will give me a report if a candidate is cleared or not. If not cleared (by the ACA), then difficult (to be chosen as a candidate),&rdquo; he said.


 &ldquo;If a person&rsquo;s name is still in an ACA file and if investigation has started, then I will not consider that person,&rdquo; he added.


 It was widely reported today that several potential BN candidates from Selangor were dropped after they were not given the all-clear sign by the ACA.


 <img align="right" alt="jeff join dap pc 310707 kit siang" height="218" src="https://i.malaysiakini.com/92/8324515fe3c35c77c41b917d5189c952.jpg" title="jeff join dap pc 310707 kit siang" width="150"/>
 Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang in a statement earlier today had predicted that Abdullah would meet the King before the weekly cabinet meeting tomorrow to ask for the dissolution of Parliament.


 He said that if that was the case, then it was most unfortunate as the prime minister would be &ldquo;showing scant respect and sensitivity to Pai Tiang Gong on the ninth day and Chap Goh Mei on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year&rdquo;.


 Lim had earlier
 <a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/77812" target="_blank">
 
 urged
 
 </a>
 Abdullah not to hold the general election during the Chinese New Year period.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today dismissed speculations that the Parliament would be dissolved tomorrow to pave way for the general election.


PM: No Parliament dissolution tomorrow

~RM12

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