‘BN parties have a duty to help unity govt candidate’
PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties must help the unity government candidate contesting the Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election on May 11.
Met after the Foreign Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri event here yesterday, BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is also foreign minister, said the responsibility had to be carried out because BN was part of the unity government.
He said the issue of “boycotting” among BN components in helping the unity government candidate win did not arise because the BN supreme council had yet to hold a meeting regarding the by-election.
“Let us meet first. We will consult (with each other), exchange ideas and find the best way.
“This is to ensure that BN remains strong as a team to help the unity government candidate in the by-election,” he told Bernama.
Last Friday, the MCA Political Development Committee decided not to get involved in campaigning if the candidate was not from BN.
MIC also made the same decision for similar reasons.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had reportedly said Umno would support any unity government candidate announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
While the by-election appears to lean towards Pakatan Harapan (PH), the road to retaining the seat may not be as straightforward as in previous elections. Two leaders from DAP, which is defending the constituency, offered different views about PH’s chances. Selangor DAP treasurer Ong Kian Ming said it was crucial for the party to have a robust strategy and message to maintain its stronghold in the state assembly.
“If DAP can retain the seat, the vote difference will be tight, potentially fewer than 1,000 votes, compared with the previous state election’s 4,119vote majority.”