BN: We can win Kelantan

(The Star) – Barisan Nasional is confident of taking Kelantan in the next general election following good response from the people during visits by party leaders to the state.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said if there were to be a political tsunami there, it was not impossible for Barisan to get back Kelantan.

He said this at a dialogue session at the National Undergraduate Leadership Convention here yesterday.

A student asked if Barisan would be able to gain back the four states that were won by Opposition parties in the last general election.

“That is our prayer and effort. We have worked hard and we have seen significant changes in many states, including Kelantan,” he said.

Muhyiddin, who is also Barisan deputy chairman, said that during his recent visits to the state, he witnessed an “extraordinary response” from the people towards Umno.

He said the Kelantanese know how PAS would not be able to run the country, as was evident by the party’s failure to resolve problems such as poverty, lack of infrastructure and poor welfare efforts.

The gathering involved about 3,500 students representing 20 public institutions of higher learning, seven private colleges and 67 representatives of overseas Umno Clubs.

In PASIR PUTEH, Kelantan Umno chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said Barisan would field several ulama as its candidates in both state and parliamentary seats in the coming general election, reported Bernama.

He said they comprised those who had contributed to the party and the country.

“We have identified their names,” he said, adding that names of the candidates would be announced early to allow the people to evaluate their capabilities.