In yet another obvious sign that snap polls would be called soon, Umno has barred all its party office bearers from leaving the country to prepare for the upcoming polls.

The matter was conveyed to all 191 party divisions nationwide via a circular issued by Umno secretary-general Radzi Sheikh Ahmad yesterday.

“Party leaders - at the state, division and branch levels - are urged to ensure that all Umno members are not allowed to leave the country during this period.

“If they want to conduct courses before the general election, do it in the country,” Radzi told Utusan Malaysia yesterday when asked on the matter.

The circular was issued following Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s statement on Thursday that the general election might be held before the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) summit in Senegal, mid-March.

‘PM to explain’

On the Barisan Nasional council meeting on Monday, Radzi said council members would be discussing election preparation matters.

Radzi said all BN component parties are expected to present their reports on the performance and preparation of election machinery.

“Some may ask for additional seats. This and many other matters would be raised during the meeting,” he said.

Following the BN council meeting, Abdullah, who is Umno president, would be addressing all 191 Umno divisional leaders at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) on election matters.

“The meeting is important to allow grassroots leaders to obtain the latest information and understand current events. This includes inflation and rising crime rates. They would hear (explanations) from the Prime Minister,” said Umno information Muhammad Muhd Taib.