PM’s hesitance to shut out BN direct candidates gives Dr Tiki hope
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
KUCHING: The issue of Barisan Nasional (BN) direct candidates in the impending 13th general election remains unresolved following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s reluctance to answer directly when reporters posed the question to him after he had met state BN component party leaders at Pullman Hotel here yesterday.
All the national BN chairman uttered was: “Wait and see when the time comes. I don’t want to jump the gun”.
Earlier, during the press conference, Najib reiterated that BN would field candidates who were preferred and accepted by the electorate.
“We will field candidates whom we feel are accepted by the people because with the good policies and great confidence that they have in us, we also need to take into consideration all aspects when fielding our candidates to ensure that the people are happy with our choice.”
The prime minister’s stance on BN direct candidates throws a lifeline to partyless Mas Gading MP Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe’s bid to defend the constituency as a direct BN candidate.
Dr Tiki has been partyless together with four elected representatives after they were sacked by Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party more than a year ago for gross insubordination. The other four are assemblymen Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie (Tasik Biru), Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran (Marudi), Rosey Yunus (Bekenu) and Paulus Gumbang (Batu Danau).
SPDP announced several months ago that they would be fielding Anthony Nogeh in Mas Gading but Dr Tiki is said to be keen for at least another term.
Najib, who was on a working visit to the state since Wednesday, said generally he was pleased with election preparations undertaken by the state BN.
“Overall, I see that the BN machinery is well prepared and the leaders in high spirit to do their best to ensure a big win for BN in Sarawak this time around.
“During my visit to a few areas this time, I noticed that response from the rakyat was also overwhelming. The people are more confident that transformation policies brought about by the BN government can benefit them and promised them better future.”
Coupled with strong support from the state government under the leadership of Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Najib said he would ensure that the transformation policies would bring tremendous change to the state.
On yesterday’s meeting, Najib described it as just a normal session for him to give directives and encourage leaders of all BN component parties to work harder and to put party interest above all else.
Meanwhile, he said all BN candidates would be required to sign the election pledge.
He said candidates from the opposition should also do likewise to show their commitment towards a clean election.
“As for us (BN) we are prepared to do it (sign the election pledge) because this is what has been recommended by international transparency. If they are really committed they should also sign the election pledge.
“If we want the election to be fair and just the liability should not only lie with SPR (Election Commission) alone. It is equally important that all parties and candidates respect the law with regard to election offences such as buying of votes, money politics and so on.”