Do not be sore losers if you are not chosen, say Barisan leaders

PUTRAJAYA: MCA members must uphold unity and discipline even if they or their leaders are not picked as candidates in the general election, says Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The party president said MCA’s discipline committee was keeping an eye on all members at this crucial time.

“My message to those who are dropped as candidates is, love the party and work for the party.

“Do not sabotage. We should fight for the party and stay united,” he said here on Wednesday.

Liow said seat-grabbing attempts would show that those involved were in it for themselves.

In Alor Setar, the Kedah Mentri Besar said Barisan Nasional hopefuls dropped from the candidate list should accept the decision and not sabotage the ones who were picked.

“We have met some of those who didn’t make the cut, and will try to resolve issues that may arise before nomination day,” Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah told reporters after visiting a recipient of Projek Perumahan Rakyat Termiskin aid here on Wednesday.

He reminded BN members that the important thing was to make sure the coalition wins.

In Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan BN chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said incumbents not picked to defend their seats should be magnanimous and support their replacements.

He said they should accept it and not resort to sabotage.

“Remember that when you were made a calon (candidate), others worked hard for your victory,” he said, commenting on Monday’s meeting between MPs and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who urged those who were not nominated to remain loyal.

Mohamad also advised coalition members not to be influenced by talk of seat swaps in the state.

“Do not listen to rumours. The leadership has not finalised any seat swap in the state.” he said.

Some Umno supporters openly expressed unhappiness over talk that the Jelebu parliamentary seat would be given to the MIC in exchange for Port Dickson.

In Kuala Terengganu, the state Barisan leadership said everyone should see the hikmah (wisdom) in the selection process and embrace the chosen candidates with open hearts.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said there should be a reason why a particular person was not picked, and incumbents should accept the fact that they could be dropped.

In GE13, Barisan won 17 out of 32 Terengganu state seats and four out of eight parliamentary seats.

Terengganu Barisan is known to field new candidates every election.