The political landscape in Penang and the country would change if Barisan Nasional (BN) could spring a surprise in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat by-election on May 7, said Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.He said based on the commitment and solidarity shown by the divisional and state Umno, BN was confident of causing an upset in the by-election this time.
“This confidence is boosted by the survey we’ve done which indicates that the people are fed up with what they have been experiencing all this while…not only with regard to development but they have also started to feel that there must be change.
“They want a new taste that can change the political landscape in Permatang Pauh,” he said at a news conference after meeting with the committee members of the four wings in Permatang Pauh Umno at Wisma Transformasi here today.
Zahid said if the BN by-election machinery could operate smoothly, the issue of sabotage would not arise whoever the candidate fielded by the BN top le
adership for the by-election.“The BN candidate for this by-election will be chosen among the current Umno leaders in Permatang Pauh…a likeable and winnable candidate.
“The (Permatang Pauh Umno) division chief has stated that whoever chosen as the candidate, our pledge is to set aside our differences and give our support…the important thing is not the candidate but that candidate is representing Umno and contesting on a BN ticket,” he said.
However, he was aware that several political issues would be played up by the opposition to attack BN, especially over the latest issues, so as to tarnish the ruling coalition’s image.
Zahid said the announcement on the BN candidate and launching of the BN by-election machinery would be by Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin on April 23.
On the question of Penang PAS’ willingness to support the PKR candidate in the by-election, he said it was the opposition’s own problem to sort out.
“We need to take care of our own (Umno and BN) house and our own members,” he said.
The Permatang Pauh by-election is being held following Anwar Ibrahim’s disqualification from his MP post after the Pardons Board rejected his petition for a royal pardon made through his family.
Anwar is now serving a five-year jail sentence for sodomising his personal aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.
The Election Commission has fixed nomination day for April 25, early voting for May 3 and polling for May 7.
BERNAMA
0 comments: