The Terengganu state government is not keen to hold a state election but is prepared to face such a prospect if there is no other choice, said Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman.

He said should there be a state election, Terengganu would have to spend for two elections, which would be very costly.

"If possible the state government would like to avoid a state election. If we hold an election now we are going to spend quite a significant sum... later when the general election comes, we will have to spend again and this is just a waste of the the people's money, especially with the current economic situation.

"But if it cannot be avoided... we will just have to be ready. Rest assured that the state government, state Umno liaison committee will be prepared for any eventuality... there's no doubt about that.

"However, for the sake of the people we hope things can wait until the general election," he told reporters after launching the state-level National Cooperative Day in Kuala Terengganu.

On the state legislative assembly meeting to be held on Monday, Ahmad Razif said he was confident the meeting would go on as usual, adding that talks of unexpected turn of events were just speculation and rumours.

He added that despite several setbacks, he remained positive and confident that BN would win, just like what happened in the Kuala Kangsar, Perak and Sungai Besar, Selangor by-elections.

Ahmad Razif, who likened the current political turmoil to a 'storm in a teacup' said, "let there be just a general election for Terengganu".

- Bernama