BN boycotts PD by-election
THE coalition’s chairman says the by-election does not meet the country’s democratic needs because it was called merely ‘to fulfil a person’s political ambition’.
BARISAN Nasional is boycotting the Port Dickson by-election as it is engineered to fulfil the political needs of an individual. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president, said the by-election was not in line with the country’s democratic principles.
He said the decision was made after discussions with BN component parties.
“We are of the stand that a byelection should be called only when there is a necessity, which is when an elected representative dies.
“Only then, in line with the country’s democratic needs, can we run for a by-election. But this by-election is held to fulfil a person’s political ambition.”
The Port Dickson by-election is being held after its incumbent, Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, vacated the seat to make way for PKR president-elect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s return to Parliament.
It was reported earlier that Umno would make way for MIC to contest the by-election.
Zahid said the cost of the by-election, which was estimated at RM3.6 million, as cited by the Election Commission, should instead be allocated to people-centric programmes.
He said it would be a waste to allocate such an amount based on the reason behind the by-election. “We believe that the expenditure could be put to better use.” On whether it would assist Pas’ campaign should the Islamic party decide to contest the by-election, Zahid said: “Of course, we go on a case-bycase basis concerning our cooperation with Pas, but we are sticking to our decision (in boycotting the Port Dickson by-election).”