Dropped incumbents must help new candidates
BERA, April 16 (Bernama) -- Incumbent Members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies (DUN) who are not picked to contest again in the 14th General Election (GE13) are urged to continue assisting the new Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates picked to replace them.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the reminder was given by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during a meeting with all BN members of Parliament at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya today.
He added that at the meeting arranged by the prime minister, Najib also expressed his appreciation to all members of Parliament for their excellent service in their respective constituencies and in the Dewan Rakyat.
"The prime minister also urged those who are picked to multiply their efforts during the campaign and to continue to work harder when they are elected (formally) ... it is also hoped that those who were not selected will continue to provide support and assistance to the new candidates picked," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said this at a press conference after officiating the Bera District Police Headquarters (IPD) here today, which was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bera.
Also present were Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim and Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Rosli Ab Rahman.
Ahmad Zahid said thIs when commenting on a special meeting between Najib and all BN MPs in Seri Perdana in Putrajaya which lasted about half an hour from 9 am today.
Meanwhile, touching on the move by Pakatan Harapan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to contest in the Langkawi Parliamentary constituency in GE14, Ahmad Zahid was confident the residents of the island resort could wisely distinguish between glass and gems.
Ahmad Zahid said he did not deny that the "person" had served in the area, but it had become history, and the development agenda continued to be carried out by the BN government under the leadership of the prime minister and its Member of Parliament Datuk Nawawi Ahmad.
"We are open-minded and welcome to anyone who wants to contest, but I am confident that the people in Langkawi are aware of the government's efforts and reforms there such as on Pulau Tuba and improvements to some tourism jetties.
"Development under the leadership of the prime minister will continue ... but if others are chosen, I fear Langkawi cannot be developed, I am sure the people of Langkawi know which option is best," he said.
Ahmad Zahid, in his speech, also advised voters not to be easily influenced by the political stance of their children who migrated to the city and made a mistake when voting in the general elections.
He said the group wanted more development to be carried out by the government, but when the 'big day' (polling day) came they did something different from their hearts' desire (choose the opposition) because they were influenced by their children who were mostly the breadwinners of the families.
"This was what had changed the situation then. This time, support the Members of Parliament and the elected representatives for the State Assembly constituencies who are the same as the administration. Change your taste by returning to us and more facilities will be given.
"Enough ... do not be influenced by 'political bats' who come only during the fruit season. Our representatives, whether in the Parliament or the State Legislative Assembly, serve without seasons, this is our position in providing the best service," he said.
He further reminded residents in the Bera Parliament to continue supporting Ismail Sabri and the two state constituencies which were held by BN, namely, Guai through Datuk Seri Norol Azali Sulaiman and, Kemayan, Datuk Mohd Fadil Osman and to recapture Triang from the DAP.
He also pledged to meet the demands of the Triang people who wanted the police station to be re-established if BN had the mandate of the Triang populace.
-- BERNAMA
