Barisan Nasional will contest in by-election, says Najib

(The Star) – Barisan Nasional will be contesting in the Manek Urai by-election as the seat fell vacant following the death of the assemblyman, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

“I have already said it is a question of principle, that if the seat is vacant because of constitutional reasons, like the demise of the state assemblyman then we will abide by the Constitution and we will field a candidate.

“But if it is a political manoeuvre, we will not dance to the Opposition’s tune,” he told reporters after meeting Singapore’s Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong yesterday.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, who accompanied Najib during the visit, said Barisan Nasional would meet in Kota Baru today.

“We will field the best candidate and fight all the way. The meeting will discuss preparations to face the by-election. We will show that Umno is still relevant,” he said.

In Kuala Lumpur, Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Barisan would be contesting despite calls from PAS that there was no need for the coalition to do so.

“This is a chance for voters there to evaluate our abilities and make a decision. PAS should not be too confdent by saying that Manek Urai is its territory and that it can always win,” he told reporters after a meeting with the Federal Territory Umno division members here yesterday.