BN will return to power in this election, says Rais

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim today expressed confidence the Barisan Nasional (BN) will return to power in this general election.

Rais said he was basing his confidence on the progress and achievements brought by the coalition government to improve the people's quality of life after more than five decades helming the nation.

"This reflects BN's services and contributions made to the people and country. It's not because of criticisms faced by BN.

"Parents, students and villagers understand BN's services and contributions," he told reporters after voting at Kampung Gagu community hall, here. His wife, Datin Seri Masnah Rais, also voted at the same polling centre.

"In the heat of the general election campaign, it's normal for BN to face pressures and criticisms from DAP, PAS and PKR, nevertheless such attacks will not influence voters.

"I'm confident the Jelebu parliamentary seat will remain with BN in this election," said Rais, who is not defending the seat in this election.

Rais said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as Umno president and BN chairman would be with the people tonight to observe BN's return to power as a memorable event.

"Let's pray there will be no untoward incidents in the country and let us prove that we are capable of managing a smooth polling process in a democratic system like in this 13th General Election.

"A smooth election process has been our tradition all this while," he said.

Wishing BN all the best to be returned to power, Rais advised voters to exercise their electoral rights wisely and come out to vote early as the erratic weather in the evening might affect the mood to vote.

Jelebu Umno division vice-chief Zainudin Ismail is BN's hopeful for the seat. He faces PAS' Raj Munni Sabu in a straight fight.