Umno Leaders Must Explain Reasons For Choice

(Bernama) — Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said it was the task of the Umno leaders and members to explain to the voters the reasons why Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh was chosen as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election.

The Prime Minister said he could see that Wan Ahmad Farid was now facing various negative statements in the by-election campaign.

"What is even more strange is that the statements are being made more by our own people rather the the opposition. We have to defend our own candidate," said Abdullah, who is also the Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president, when speaking before about 300 Terengganu women leaders, here tonight.

Also present at the function were Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, Wanita Umno vice-head Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, State Wanita Umno leader Senator Wan Ramlah Wan Ahmad and Wan Ahmad Farid himself.

Abdullah said the BN must ensure victory for Wan Ahmad Farid in the by-election because the seat was previously held by the elected representative from the BN.

He said although the result of the by-election would not have any impact on the strength of the government now, the BN certainly would want every constituency to be represented by its own represantative.

The Prime Minister said every member of the BN machinery, especially the women, must work hard to ensure victory to the BN candidate as they were seen to have strong influence in canvassing for votes.