TANJUNG KARANG (Selangor) • The Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth machinery has been given three months to intensify preparations for Malaysia's 14th general election, which is expected to be held any time soon.

Its chairman, Mr Khairy Jamaluddin, yesterday said the deadline would ensure all final preparations for the election will be completed.

"The instruction has been given (by BN president) to make preparations as we are in the election mood, so I am mobilising the Youth machinery from now.

"Today, the Tanjung Karang Youth division has started and I hope other divisions will start and continue with their efforts to get close to the voters especially the younger generation," he told reporters after launching the Tanjung Karang Youth Assembly in Selangor.

Also present at the gathering of more than 1,000 local residents was Selangor BN chairman, Tan Sri Noh Omar, the Member of Parliament for Tanjung Karang.

Earlier, in his speech, Mr Khairy criticised the opposition, saying they were bad-mouthing the government but unable to ensure any benefits for the people, especially the younger generation.

He said many administrative problems faced by states under the opposition were unresolved, proving that they were unable to look after the people.

"For instance, the TN50 (National Transformation 2050) programme initiated by the Prime Minister (Najib Razak) does not only look at today's problems but that BN can look after the people 30 years in the future.

"Only BN can do it and we (the BN machinery) must have the 'winning mentality', which involves the close cooperation between Youth, Women and Puteri, to bring about a major change in the coming general election," he said.

BERNAMA