Tun M: BN leaders not chosen must accept decision with open heart

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today reminded Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders who are not chosen as candidates for the 13th General Election (GE13), to accept the decision with an open heart.

Mahathir said they (those not chosen) must accept the reality that time will come for them to step aside.

"If they really love the party, they will accept the decision made by the party leadership with an open heart and support the chosen candidate. They must realise that when they were chosen, it was due to the support from the ground that helped them win, so it is now their turn to support them," he said during a question and answer session that was broadcast on TV3, tonight.

The programme was hosted by Media Prima news and editorial operations executive director Datuk Ahmad A.Talib.

Mahathir said ideally candidates must be replaced at every general election to provide an opportunity for new faces to serve the party and people.

He said for example, in Umno, if the same old faces were to contest, it would result in members shying away from the party.

"As a result, Umno's membership will shrink because it comprises people who are stale and not talented," he said.

Mahathir also reminded elected representatives in BN who are not chosen, to continue supporting the party, to repay their gratitude to the party for having given them an opportunity in the past.

If they cannot accept decisions made, it meant they are self-centred and not in line with the party's principle, that of to serve the people, he said.