Speaking after a meeting with Pahang BN leaders today, Mohamad said whatever strategy was adopted, it would be implemented to ensure the coalition could win the coming general election, which is expected to be held soon.

“It is a matter that needs to be refined, people say (it) makes a lot of sense … whatever we do, it must be the right step. If it leads to defeat, why should we even go there, that’s what Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail (Pahang BN chairman) meant,” he said.

“I welcome it and will look at it because there’s a need to also take into account several other factors that must be refined thoroughly and carefully,” said Mohamad, who is better known as Tok Mat.

Wan Rosdy had urged the BN leadership to thoroughly study the quota system involving parliamentary and state seats before the general election is called.

“If we already know we are going to lose in a seat, why field (a candidate),” he said in his speech at the meeting. “It’s a waste of time, money and energy. I apologise to our component friends, as a leader I need to highlight this matter for our common good … because we want to win,” said Wan Rosdy.

He said Pahang BN had a target of winning all 14 parliamentary seats and 35 of the 42 state assembly seats in Pahang.

Mohamad said in his speech that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also an Umno vice-president, had given his commitment that the elections would be held soon.

“But he did not give a date, although he did say he won’t drag it until next year,” Mohamad said.

“So it’s clear the elections will be held this year. If it’s this year, don’t tell me it will be held in December (because) then people will have to ‘swim’ to go and vote (in reference to the year-end monsoon season).”