KOTA KINABALU: Early announcement of Barisan Nasional line-up will allow candidates and their machinery to plan their next move and ensure victory for the ruling party.
In welcoming the proposal by BN secretary general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor to announce their candidacies earlier than past elections, Parti Bersatu Sabah Youth chief Datuk Jahid Jahim said doing so would enable them to strategise their moves and be able to befriend their would-be constituents.
“The candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves, if they are new, while the incumbents should renew ties with their voters by continuing to go down to the ground and listen to the people’s grouses,” said Jahid, who is also Tamparuli Assemblyman.
His view was echoed by Sabah Puteri Umno chief Musliati Moslimin who said an early introduction would also enable voters to evaluate candidates and their abilities.
However, she admitted that there would be consequences if the proposal was approved, which among others would enable the opposition to ‘attack’ and find ways to belittle the BN candidates by playing up with issues that may tarnish both the party and the persons fielded in their constituencies.
Having said that, she however said that they would agree with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s decision on whether to make early announcement on BN’s candidates or stick to practice of the old system.
“The Prime Minister is a wise man and I believe whatever decision he makes is for the good of the party,” he said.
Adnan had recently said there may be possibility of early announcement of BN’s candidacy in the coming 13th general election, adding that it would apply to all component parties under the coalition.
“There are more pros than cons when we announce our candidacy early,” he said, but left it to Najib to decide.
In KENINGAU and TENOM, BN leaders have also expressed full support for the early announcement of candidates in preparation for the 13th general election.
Tenom Umno Youth chief Jamawi Jaafar described the announcement as more positive than previously done.
“Such political transformation will reduce the sabotaging of candidates by some unhappy parties,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Jamawi, who is also Umno Youth Exco said dissatisfaction could be more easily detected and acted upon as there would be ample time before the election.
“What is important is that the candidate who is announced early, is the people’s candidate, “he said.
Keningau MCA Youth chief Leonard Teo said announcing the candidate’s name would make party members feel confident that the selected candidate would really be well received and supported by the people.
“For me, the chosen candidate must be one who can win (winnable candidate) and well received by the people,” he said.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Bernard S Maraat said: “Let the list of candidates be decided by the BN leadership, especially Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak. I believe Najib will announce the names of the BN candidate when the election comes.”
Tambunan Divisional PBS vice-chief I Datuk Lawrence Gimbang said there were pros and cons in the early announcement of candidates.
“The good — the candidate will be ready to face the 13th general election besides strengthening their machinery.”
The ugly part of it, said the former State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, could be sabotage by leaders who were not selected as candidates.
Liawan Division PBS Youth chief Augustine Nain supported the proposal that candidates be announced earlier so that the candidates could prepare to campaign, and those not selected as candidates could help BN to win the election.
Meanwhile, Keningau Umno Youth chief Azman Ruslan said only Umno leadership could make the final decision or conclude on who would contest in the election.
“This we have to really understand and we need to be rational and be open-minded if Umno leadership makes a decision outside expectation,” he said.
“For me, who is chosen by Umno leadership (to contest) is not a big problem because in the end, the person is actually representing Umno and BN,” he said.