Abdul Aziz stressing a point on the voting process after announcing the Kajang by-election. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Leaders of Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties and the opposition were happy with the campaign period for the Kajang by-election, which they feel will allow all parties to implement their strategies.
Selangor Umno Liaison chief Datuk Seri Noh Omar said Selangor BN are ready and waiting for directives from BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and the nomination of the candidate.
“Selangor BN are happy with the EC’s (Election Commission) announcement on the campaign period and I hope opposition parties don’t say they’re not happy after this,” he said when contacted by Bernama here yesterday.
EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusof announced the Kajang by-election will be held on March 23 and nomination on March 11.
The seat fell vacant after its incumbent, PKR’s Lee Chin Cheh, resigned on Jan 27.
Umno Information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan said all parties have begun various methods of campaigning and the period given will give an advantage to independent or party candidates.
“We hope the EC will be able to carry out the by-election well,” he said.
He hoped that Kajang voters and the public realise that the by-election, expected to cost RM1.6 million, should not take place because of the personal interest of an opposition leader.
Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong said they have formed a committee to prepare campaign programmes for the by-election.
While expressing his confidence in BN to retake the Kajang state seat, he said Gerakan will also go down to the field and go door to door to spread information and the government’s aspirations to the voters.
“Nomination and polling is next month. The campaign period is also sufficient for all parties. I hope the by-election will run smoothly and all quarters need to be responsible in avoiding controversy,” said Mah.
He said although Gerakan would not be fielding a candidate, it will support any candidate running for BN.
MCA deputy president Datuk Wee Ka Siong said the party has held several meetings to discuss the campaign approaches and strategy for the by-election.
“There’s no problem with the duration of the campaign period,” he said, adding that MCA will work hard to ensure BN’s win.
DAP election strategy planner Dr Ong Kian Ming said the opposition, DAP in particular, will use the 12-day campaign period wisely to help their candidate win.
He said he expects the majority not to be as big as the last, based on several factors including difficulty of Chinese voters to go home and vote because they just recently celebrated Chinese New Year. PAS election director for the Kajang by-election, Dr Hatta Ramli said, he was not comfortable with the EC’s decision for nomination day on a Tuesday, which is a working day.
The Kuala Krai MP said the date will interfere with the mobility of party supporters, especially those who live far from the area.
“I prefer the weekend … Saturday or Sunday, so that we can give more focus,” he said. — Bernama