Selangor BN Election Machinery Told To Go Into Overdrive
(Bernama) — Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today reminded the Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) election machinery to get into “overdrive mode” and not just depend on the increasing popularity of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Muhyiddin, said based on the latest analysis, overall there was increased support for the BN in the state now as compared to 2008 (when the BN lost Selangor to the opposition).
“The main factor for the increased support is because the people of Selangor have very high regard for the leadership of the prime minister and this is a very big plus factor for us,” he told a press conference after holding a meeting with teachers, PTA members and board members of national-type Chinese schools from throughout Selangor, here Saturday.
“The trend generally is positive (for the BN) and we are confident we can win more seats in the next general election. I need not say which are the seats but everyone knows they are a given,” he said.
He said this was because, irrespective of race, acceptance of the BN was far better now and this could be due to efforts by the coalition under the leadership of Najib in helping the people cope with the increased cost of living through initiatives like schooling aid and the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) aid programme, which had brought about a major impact.
Muhyiddin said earlier in the day, he had held a meeting with Selangor BN and Umno leaders led by State BN deputy chief Datuk Seri Noh Omar on preparations for the next general election.
“I am satisfied with the preparedness of the Selangor BN and also gave my inputs on areas that needed to be given added focus,” he said.
He said besides evaluating the government on the subsidies it was giving in looking after the welfare of the people which now had exceeded RM33 billion including RM17 billion for fuels, the people of Selangor were also evaluating what the Selangor government was doing or not doing for them.
“I can feel there is a lot of dissatisfaction with the Selangor government…unhappiness in the way the state is being run among the general public,” he said.
He said the private sector and traders were also unhappy about rising costs, poor fiscal management and state policies that were in conflict with their pledge to be a caring government like in land matters, and issues concerning Yayasan Selangor hostels and management of Universiti Selangor.
It could be the Selangor government paid more attention to earning revenue but the Federal government took into consideration all aspects so that the people were happy, he said.
On plans by Yayasan Selangor to demolish its student hostels in Kampung Pandan in Kuala Lumpur, Muhyiddin said so far there had been no news if alternative accommodation would be provided for the students if the buildings were torn down but it was understood they would be placed in hostels of schools under the Education Ministry.
“As the Education Minister, I think the Selangor government is trying to pass the buck to my ministry. This is very irresponsible and I think the people of Selangor will be very disappointed,” he said, adding that not many states were as lucky as Selangor to have hostels for students and a state university (Universiti Selangor).
This was unlike the BN government which was committed to expanding state assets without compromising the interests of the people, he said.
Asked about PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s intention to stand again in the next GE, Muhyiddin said it was his prerogative.
“He is PAS’ spiritual leader and calls the shots. Who can say Nik Aziz should not contest?,” he said.
