BN confident of recapturing Selangor in next GE
By Kong See Hoh, The Sun
PETALING JAYA (Sept 18, 2011): Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) is quite confident of recapturing the Selangor state government in the next general election, Oriental Daily News reported today.
A survey done by the coalition showed that there is a swing in support back to BN among Malay and Indian voters although the Chinese are still taking a wait-and-see attitude.
A BN grassroots leader who spoke on condition of anonymity told the daily that the Selangor Barisan Nasional convention in Shah Alam on Saturday looked at BN’s chances in the 56 state seats.
It was revealed that the majority of seats still regarded as “black” (less than 50% chance of winning) are located in predominantly Chinese areas, and that of all seats traditionally given to MCA to contest, only one is categorised as “white” (no risk of losing), ie Sungai Pelek.
“Even so, many leaders and even the prime minister in his speech (at the convention) believed that although the Chinese voters are taking the ‘wait-and-see’ stand, things are looking up for the BN.
“They feel a further change in BN leaders’ attitudes would help win back the Chinese votes,” said the grassroots leader.
Apart from the opening address by Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (pix), who is Selangor BN chief, several other events took place behind closed doors, including a question and answer session, a winding-up by Najib; a meeting with the chiefs and deputy chiefs of the four state BN component parties.
The main objective of the convention was to unite the component parties as the next general election draws near.
Najib has emphasised that BN leaders should not clamour for party positions but focus their efforts towards wresting back the state from the Opposition.
He said there must not be any internal bickering among and within component parties.
“Everyone must be willing to accept and support candidates chosen by the party leadership.
“Whoever the candidate, or whichever party he represents is not important. We must give our wholehearted support to ensure a Barisan win,” he said.
It is understood that the state BN leaders will meet soon, to come up with new strategies aimed at retaking Selangor in the upcoming general election.
Meanwhile, Selangor MCA chief Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai urged BN top leadership to identify as soon as possible its candidates for constituencies where the coalition only has a 50% chance of winning. This is to give them enough time to serve the people and to gain exposure.
“If the candidates are only named three weeks before the polls, they may not have enough time to make preparations,” Sin Chew Daily quoted him as saying.
“The prime minister has already said we must field winnable candidates. But sometimes, the suitable candidates are not the division chiefs. This are among questions that have to be considered and resolved wisely.”
He said MCA’s target in the next general election is to win half the number of seats it contests.
Lim disclosed that MCA has proposed that both the federal and state governments build more Chinese primary schools in areas such as Puchong and Klang where there is a large concentration of Chinese.
At the state BN convention, Lim urged BN’s top leadership to take disciplinary action against leaders who make remarks that go against the BN spirit.
He said Selangor MCA also urged the BN leadership to advise government-linked companies not to implement policies that will further burden the people.
