No drastic change expected in selection of candidates for next election
PUTRAJAYA: The Barisan Nasional (BN) is to retain its concept of consensus without any drastic change in the selection of candidates for the next general election, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday.
Although the prime minister and BN chairman had the final word on the selection of candidates, discussions will be held with the leaders of the BN component parties, he said.
Muhyiddin, who is also BN deputy chairman, said it was not a serious matter for discussion at the BN convention scheduled for Nov 28 at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur.
“I do not think it is a very important topic for discussion there (at the convention) because we have in place a good mechanism and tradition.
“I do not see the need for a drastic change in the selection of candidates. The important thing is that we must engage in discussion before the final decision, which is usually made by the BN chairman,” he said after chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Human Capital Development, here.
Muhyiddin was asked to comment on a proposal for the prime minister, as the BN chairman, to be given the full power in the selection of candidates for the next general election and the matter be discussed at the coming BN convention.
The deputy prime minister said the BN was open to suggestions and views, including on the question of candidate selection.
“We respect all views but the important thing is that we must field qualified candidates who can be accepted by the people and garner their support to win, and then serve them as well,” he said. He said this would be the basis for the BN in fielding its candidates, and felt that it was unnecessary for any drastic change in the evaluation of any candidate.
“That is the basis, and surely for the next general election also we will use the same consideration. Not only does our party practise this, but other parties as well,” he said. On the BN convention, Muhyiddin said one of the outcomes anticipated was the BN Charter which the prime minister would announce.
“The BN Charter will consolidate the fundamentals agreed upon and perhaps set a new direction in line with the changes over time and the needs of the people,” he said.
He also said that the BN component party leaders would be given the opportunity and space to raise matters or issues in the interests of the nation, as they had been doing.
“It is not just to repeat what we have known all this while but perhaps to renew and adopt a new approach and perspective based on current developments,” he said.
Asked whether the convention was in preparation for the next general election, Muhyiddin said: “We do not work for just five years but all the time. We want the people to understand that the BN struggle is to meet their needs and for their future.
“Our party must not only be relevant but must be dynamic and evolve according to the national situation and needs. It must be competitive and durable. This is important for the people to maintain confidence in the BN,” he said. — Bernama