Bagan Pinang: BN To Learn From Past By-Elections – Najib
(Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders to learn from previous by-elections in facing the coming Bagan Pinang by-election in Negeri Sembilan.
"We have gone through many experiences and this time around, we are defending our own seat; we are the defending champion and we should do all we can to ensure success.
"I hope that we take stock of our experiences from the previous by-election, on what Umno and BN leaders should do to achieve the best result," he told reporters after a walkabout at the Public Works Department quarters in Jalan Cheras here.
Najib, who is BN chairman, was asked on the BN's chances in the by-election for the state seat which fell vacant following the death of BN assemblyman Azman Mohammad Noor on Friday.
Azman, who was Teluk Kemang Umno vice-chief, won the seat in the last general election, defeating PAS candidate, Ramli Ismail, with a majority of 2,333 votes.
On the suggestion that the number of delegates to Umno general assembly be increased to 650,000 from 2,600 at the moment, Najib said, as the matter was still at a proposal stage, it was too early for him to make any comment.
"We (Umno Supreme Council) will decide on the best suggestion for the party's future. We are now collating views, obtaining feedback and reviewing each suggestion," he said.
Najib said that any suggestion on the amendment to the party's constitution should be made collectively and not individually.
"Let the process takes its course. I am open to this, in fact I am the first to suggest that party constitution be amended to make Umno more democratic and transparent.
"This is to restore confidence not only among party members but more importantly, the people should see Umno as a party in tune to their aspirations," he said.
On Friday, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, who chairs the main committee overseeing the amendment to party constitution, said all feedback obtained from the grassroots would be discussed at the Umno management committee meeting next week.
It would then be forwarded to the Supreme Council on Sept 11, Hishammuddin said.
