Malaysian Digest
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 APRIL 2010: Barisan Nasional (BN) would not be over-confident in the Hulu Selangor by-election, but its election machinery would instead work real hard for a win, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Muhyiddin, who is also BN deputy chairman and Umno deputy president, said BN would adopt a cautious attitude and work diligently in facing Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which had named Datuk Zaid Ibrahim at its candidate for the by-election.
“As usual, we will not to too confident or over-confident as it is difficult to read the voters’ attitude. They may say yes but behind us it’s no, or vice versa.
“What is important is for us to work hard. We cannot take things for granted even though some people say we should be able to win back this seat. It’s a bad start if we feel that way. We need to be cautious,” he said when asked about BN’s chances in the by-election at a news conference today.
Muhyidding had earlier opened the 14th Malaysian Education Summit at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, near here.
“Well, we’ve got equal chances. I believe that based on the current sentiments under the leadership of the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak), the wind of change has blown and the economy is improving, while other factors should also give us the edge. I hope the voters will consider all the factors when casting their votes,” he said.
He noted that PKR had also activated its election machinery.
“I have been informed that the Menteri Besar (Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim) has now occupied the (Hulu Selangor) District Office for the party’s by-election operations. Never mind…we have our own strategy to secure victory.”
Asked on the selection of Zaid, a former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, as the candidate for PKR, Muhyiddin said he was made to understand that it was because Zaid had a lot of money.
“So, it’s not because he can serve. Who doesn’t know Zaid Ibrahim? Anyway, it’s their (PKR) choice, and we will face him.”
Muhyiddin, however, believes that the voters in Hulu Selangor want a local to represent them.
He said the PKR candidate had gone in and out of political parties and this could be a factor for the voters to consider when choosing the best candidate to represent the constituency.
Muhyiddin was also asked about BN’s gamble in fielding a candidate from the MIC in a Malay-majority area.
“The voters may not look at the race aspect, but who they think can help solve their problems. They would want someone who know about and understand the problems in the constituency,” he replied.