Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof
KUCHING: The significant wins by Barisan Nasional (BN) in the two by-elections at Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar constituencies proved that the people believed in the coalition’s proven and successful track record and rejected politics of hate and divisiveness brought on by the opposition.
State BN Youth chairman Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said BN’s thumping victories also showed that the people continued to support the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also BN chairman.
“The people have accepted the good policies and approach by the government under the Prime Minister’s leadership despite the opposition’s incessant ways in trying to topple him including getting assistance from (former Prime Minister) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to campaign.
“Just like the people in Sarawak who flatly rejected the presence of PAS and Amanah in the 11th state election last month, the people in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar also made it very clear that they snubbed PAS’ polemic and its splinter party,” he said in a statement yesterday.
BN swept to victory on Saturday, retaining both parliamentary seats with higher majorities and bigger margins compared to results in 2013. Sungai Besar’s BN candidate Budiman Mohd Zohdi garnered 16,800 votes with a 9,191 majority while BN candidate for Kuala Kangsar Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid received 12,653 votes with a majority of 6,969 votes.
Fadillah, who is also Works Minister, also pointed out that the people choose politics that lead towards their prosperity and sustainable development brought by BN.
“It is also in view of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib’s consistent attitude in looking after the people throughout the country ever since he started leading the country as prime minister.”
The Petra Jaya MP also took the opportunity to congratulate his two new colleagues as well as BN machinery, assuring that as Works Minister, he will work with both MPs especially in making sure that the construction of a bridge in Manong, Kuala Kangsar, as announced by Najib, would be done as scheduled.
“I will also ensure that the upgrading works for federal roads FR5 from Tanjong Karang to Sabak Bernam in Selangor will be on schedule as well.”
Meanwhile, Sarawak PKR vice chairman See Chee How said the opposition was undoubtedly disappointed with the by-election results because there were more than sufficient issues raised against the federal administration to win the support of the voters.
“The voters have very clearly delivered a strong message to the opposition parties that there must be a united and strong opposition front and alternative to challenge the ruling coalition.
“The opposition parties have very little time to forge that united alternative force to win the hearts of all Malaysian voters. Pakatan Harapan, PAS and all the opposition parties in the country must immediately humble themselves, devise the common political platform and principles to work together and seek the mandate of the electors,” he remarked, adding that the opposition must graciously accept the defeats in the two battles which have huge implications on the coming general election due in 2018 or maybe earlier.
He acknowledged that though there are political differences amongst the parties, political wisdom will guide the leaders to respect each other and be focused on the common agenda and objectives which are to lead the country out of the political and socio-economic doldrums.
“Conversely, the results of the two by-elections are indicative that the opposition will lose more than half their existing seats in the coming general election.”
He said PAS should soon come to realise that their political ideology was not politically expedient in a country where the large majority of her citizenry preferred the secular state and way of life.
“The tabling of the Private Member’s Bill in Parliament will however serve its political purpose for PAS though it will be rejected or voted out.
“But Malaysians will all agree that PAS should and can continue its noble cause of advocating Islamic values and virtues as a way of life amongst the Muslim community.”
With Sarawak and Sabah having the most crucial roles to play in the current circumstances and running up to the general election, See said the country is most divisive today in the nation’s history.
“With our unique and truly plural background and setting, and the people living the virtues of them, Sarawakians and Sabahans must come to the political forefront to show the importance of unity, respect and trust amongst the various communities to ensure harmony and a common effort to contribute towards nation building.
“Furthermore, leaders of the two East Malaysian states must have a united voice and stand up for the autonomy and powers to ensure that both states will have equitable share of development and better financial position to take care of the wellbeing of the states.”