Chua: BN leaders must continue to serve in PR states

(NST) PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional chief coordinator Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said BN leaders in all PR-controlled states had failed to play the role of an opposition effectively.

"They cannot keep thinking that they are still the government in power and act like one," he wrote in his blog.

"They must take action on issues that concern the interests of the people."

At his recent meeting with BN leaders in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Dr Chua said, he was told that most PR assemblyman in Kedah did not go down to the ground nor hold dialogues with the people.

"This is the chance for BN to regain the people's confidence through its continuous service.

"If PR assemblymen do not want to do their part, we, BN, will do it for them."

BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in announcing Dr Chua's appointment as chief coordinator last month, had said Dr Chua's tasks would include taking care of the PR-ruled states.

In Kedah, the former health minister noted that BN lost the parliamentary seat of Sungai Petani and all three state seats under the area in the last general election.

"In the Sungai Petani seat, BN lost by a majority of more than 9,000 votes.

"However, within the three state seats, if we tally the results, BN lost by a majority of 5,300 votes.

"In other words, there are people who voted for BN at the state seat but rejected BN in the parliamentary seat.

"I was told that one factor (that caused BN's defeat) was that the candidate was a 'parachute' candidate. Hence, there was a lot of dissatisfaction among the local community."

BN leaders in such states must move as a team at all times and not only during the election, said Dr Chua.

"They have to carry out activities together, hold meetings regularly, and when it comes to application for grants, it should be done in a fair and transparent manner.

"Every person is entitled to benefit from this grant. It should not be given only to their own supporters to strengthen their positions.

"When it comes to activities, it should not be confined only to party members. They should open up and welcome participation by the local community.

"BN leaders have to be more people friendly and go down to the ground."

Dr Chua said it was of utmost importance that BN members in PR seats stay focused, continue to serve and monitor the PR state governments' performances.