Marang fares better under BN - Abdul Rahman




MARANG, April 21 (Bernama) -- Former Marang MP Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Bakar has been called 'giant killer' for defeating PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang twice in the general election, and his weapon at the time was convincing voters that the Barisan Nasional (BN) was much better in administering Marang and Terengganu.

Currently, he said, the BN had implemented various development projects including the upgrade of the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia in Marang, and building mosques and police stations, all of which clearly indicated the coalition´s commitment to religion, race and national development.

BN built 53 mosques here for residents and tourists as compared to PAS' Rusila Mosque and a centre where Abdul Hadi gave lectures and religious talks, he said.

"We need to explain the opposition´s true nature to the voters and their marginalised development agenda as long as they hold the Marang parliamentary seat, " he said when contacted by Bernama.

Abdul Rahman said he had assured the people of Terengganu that BN was a party that fought for Islam, race and country.

On BN´s chances of defeating Abdul Hadi in the 14th General Election (GE14), he said BN had several candidates who were potential 'giant killers'.

"What´s important is that we need to properly assemble the election machinery and streamline the party´s portfolio so that the right information will reach the voters, especially the young voters, first-time voters and voters who are fence-sitters.

"The BN machinery itself should be fully functional, in terms of dissemination of information, speeches and so on. The election machinery should be well oiled and active, " he told Bernama.

Abdul Rahman said the opposition´s weaknesses were many, and could be described in a series of explanations, to dispel the lies and propaganda.

However, in providing services and lending a helping hand, he said: "Do not count the party symbols, if people come seeking assistance ... as long as they are genuine, help them. This will make them think twice when choosing their future elected representatives. "

Abdul Rahman defeated Abdul Hadi for the Marang parliamentary seat for the first time in the 1986 GE, at age 33, before repeating his success for the same seat in the 2004 GE at age 52.

Abdul Hadi won back the seat in the 2008 and 2013 GEs.

-- BERNAMA