‘ENDORSE BN’S CANDIDATE’
More Pas leaders should show their support for Lokman, says Umno man
MORE Pas leaders should declare their support for Barisan Nasional in the Sungai Kandis by-election. Even though several Pas leaders have already endorsed the candidacy of BN’s Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, deputy Umno Youth chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan said stronger affirmation was needed.
“For me, it is a question of sincerity. Our candidate (Lokman) has gone to meet those who voted for Pas (in the 14th General Election).”
He said Umno and Pas needed more time to nurture their cooperation and expressed hope that the byelection would be the starting point for the pact to flourBatu ish.
He said while Pas votes were important to BN, greater effort should be made to boost the coalition’s popularity in Sungai Kandis and throughout the country.
He said Umno and BN should avoid becoming too dependent on the goodwill of others. Pahat Umno division chief Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi said more Pas members would lend their support to BN if a greater number of Pas leaders came out to express their approval.
“If there are more leaders like (Pas central committee member) Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz and (Pas information chief) Nasaruddin Tantawi, Lokman will have a better chance of winning.
“I do not think it would be a problem as Pas did so when it was part of (now-defunct) Pakatan Rakyat.”
Puad said the main hurdle for cooperation between BN and Pas was scepticism among Pas grassroots because of past rivalries.
“I hope Sungai Kandis will spark permanent cooperation between BN and Pas. Pas has proven it by not fielding a candidate.
“If it takes place, it is hoped that the cooperation will change the political landscape with a stronger opposition pact.
“It is not impossible for the PH government to be toppled early.”