ONE FOR ALL: Muhyiddin (second right) shows the ‘1Malaysia’ symbol with the Pulau Pinang BN members after the lunch. — Bernama photo
GEORGE TOWN: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin wants all Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties to support those nominated by the ruling coalition to contest in the upcoming 13th general election.
Muhyiddin, who is also BN deputy chairman, said their support should be above the differences within the respective BN components.
“Umno will support the MCA candidates, Gerakan will support MIC candidates and so on … all components to support BN candidates as we are in one team.”
Muhyiddin said this at his briefing for 1,500 members of Penang BN’s 345 polling district centres’ or pusat daerah mengundi (PDM) election machinery, followed by a luncheon, here, yesterday in conjunction with his working visit to the state.
He said the candidates chosen were the best and winnable and had gone through screenings before being selected.
Muhyiddin said the lists of candidates had been submmitted to the prime minister by the respective party state liaison chairmen after discussions at the divisional level, and the names of the candidates for the elections would be announced anytime soon.
He hoped that those not chosen as candidates would not sabotage their party as their action would affect BN’s performance in the upcoming elections.
“When our names are not up there (as candidates), let’s not call the PDM to hold an emergency meeting and ask that the PDM be closed.
“We must not sabotage the party as the candidates chosen are the best among the best …there is no perfect human being, a little flaw is okay.”
Muhyiddin said as usual, BN would be contesting under one party and symbol, the scale, but they (Pakatan Rakyat) would be contesting under their own respective parties and logos.
“BN has the capability of forming a government based on its long experience and is a strong coalition and not formed as a temporary measure like the opposition group,” he said.
The deputy prime minister said he would also be going to the ground more often especially in Penang to expose the opposition’s lies.
Muhyiddin noted that BN’s position had become stronger since the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak introduced various transformation programmes that helped change public perception of BN.
“The transformation programmes have shown good results, unnerving the opposition. The various aid that we give have reached the grassroots. The measures are aimed at helping the ‘rakyat’,” he said, adding that support for BN from the people, including the Indians and Chinese, had risen.
However, he reminded the BN component party leaders to work harder for the people and to relentlessly carry out their tasks in facing the upcoming general election.
“We know our weaknesses and we must improve and become stronger for the future. The measures (transformation programmes) alone are not enough as the people want to see real change made by the BN government,” he said.
Muhyiddin stressed that BN required the total commitment of its component party leaders in ensuring continued people’s support and translated into votes for BN.
“Our struggle is not just to gain victory for BN but also to take care of the lot of all races, the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, Orang Asli … they all need our help. Our struggle is a noble struggle and not easy, requiring total commitment,” he said. — Bernama