Abdullah’s Presence Might Have Tipped The Scale For BN

(Bernama) — Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's presence here yesterday was brief but it might have helped put enough weight to tip the scales in Barisan Nasional (BN)'s favour to retain the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat.

He might not have been able to meet the voters himself, but the Prime Minister's visit has injected a fresh sense of confidence in the BN machinery to continue wooing some 80,000 electorates in what political observers consider as a close fight.

Soon after he left the Waterfront Heritage City late last night, the coalition's machinery was seen around the constituency putting up party flags and posters which were very few before despite the campaign period had begun three days ago.

This change of attitude might have everything to do with the closed door meeting he had with the machinery right after his arrival in this city.

"Yes, at present our machinery is moving rather slow but I believe they will gain their momentum soon," he was heard telling a group of reporters covering his less-than-10-hour visit.

In a way, the short visit can be viewed as a show of faith in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's ability to run the show alone though some quarters believe that BN has a lot at stake in this by-election.

Abdullah who was clearly aware of this, however said that that was a matter of opinion and the outcome of this by-election would not affect BN as a government nor could be used as a yardstick to determine the party's future, or to measure people's acceptance of Najib as the Prime Minister In Waiting.

People, he said, would interpret the by-election result anyway they wanted but it would not represent the voice of all.

He also took the opportunity to remind the machinery that it was their responsibility to explain to the people why BN candidate Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh should be elected instead of joining the fray to criticise his personality.

"It's quite baffling that the critics come mostly from our side when we are supposed to defend him," Abdullah had said.

His advice could not have come sooner as Wan Ahmad Farid has been described as "aloof" and some even say "a snob".

There is hope yet for this first timer as his opponent from Pas' Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut, has also been described as "looking unfriendly".

To some, it may not be important as to whether the candidate posseses sunny disposition or not, but as Najib had pointed out several days ago that people in Kuala Terengganu are very much in touch of their "kampung style" which emphasizes humility.

There is some truth in Najib's remark as random conversations with the locals indicate that fence-sitters would usually go for the candidate rather than party, and the candidate with approachable attitude would score top marks.

As Abdullah had pointed out to the BN machinery, their candidate does possess good quality "or else I wouldn't have appointed him as my political secretary", thus it should be explained to the voters.

With seven days to go before the polling day, there is still no clear indication who would win this three-cornered fight — BN, Pas or the independent candidate — but many have dismissed Azharudin Mamat@Adam's chance to spring a surprise.