Ex-reps, veterans dropped based on study, says BN deputy chief

KUCHING: The Barisan Nasional leadership has valid reasons for not choosing former elected representatives or even veterans for the 14th General Election (GE14), said BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, who is deputy prime minister, said the decision should not be questioned as it was based on a detailed study of the political landscape of a specific area, including the grassroots.

He said former representatives and former candidates who were dropped must keep an open mind and accept the decision to ensure the longevity of the party, especially as GE14 had been dubbed the “mother of all elections”.

“They have to be more resilient and accept the facts. Even I have faced immense pressure, but I did not turn my back on the party, much less leave it. We have to remain loyal.”

Zahid was speaking after concluding a brief working visit here yesterday.

Zahid’s remarks came after Batu Pahat Umno chief Datuk Dr Puad Zakarshi, who is Special Affairs Department director-general, was not selected as BN’s candidate for the Batu Pahat parliamentary seat.

He said Puad was given the chance to be a Dewan Negara member for two terms and was deputy education minister.

“The decision not to field him for the Batu Pahat seat was made after a detailed study of the political landscape of the area.

“Batu Pahat is a critical area, with support for BN eroding. We need a candidate who can seize the seat from PKR.”

He said BN was adopting an optimistic outlook for GE14, especially in Sarawak.

“Not all areas are white areas, some are grey here, and we have to pay attention to them.

“We are thinking positively and confident of winning more seats in Sarawak, even if some of our component parties are facing internal conflict.

“This is normal and happens each general election and state election.

“We will continue to look for the best solution.”