KUALA LUMPUR: Claims that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is urging that the 15th General Election be held early because of his court cases are serious allegations involving the integrity of judges and judicial institutions.

Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan said the allegations created a perception that the course of the trials would change in the event Barisan Nasional wins the general election.

He was responding to Kedah Menteri Besar and Pas election director Datuk Seri Muhamad Sanusi Md Nor, who claimed Umno president Zahid insisted on holding the general election earlier for fear of being imprisoned.

"When GE is going to be held and if the BN wins, what is Datuk Seri Sanusi trying to say? That because BN wins, the judge will suddenly be forced to change his mind?   

"If that is the accusation, just say it (straight) because it is a serious allegation not only against Datuk Seri Zahid but also against the integrity of the judges and the judiciary.

"Currently, the prime minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) is from Umno. According to Umno's supreme working council) decision, if the BN wins, the prime minister is (still) the same. The case is ongoing. So, what do the court cases have to do with an early election?

"In addition, there is no guarantee BN will win the general election," he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, a news portal quoted Sanusi as saying Malaysia would be destroyed if the people chose "one or two crazy leaders", besides claiming that Zahid wants the general election to be held early for fear of being imprisoned.

Sanusi also said Zahid's claim that Pas is not interested in holding an early general election because the party feared it would lose the 18 seats it now held is wrong, adding that the country has more important things to resolve.

Shahril added that Zahid did not ask for the general election to be held immediately. He merely asked that the polls not be held too late, for strategic considerations involving the party and the country.

Shahril said those seeking the general election and a new mandate are party members and people who are not facing any charges in court.

"Regardless, this will be discussed by the 'Top 5' (five top Umno leaders). Other parties do not need to intervene in Umno's internal discussions," he said.