BN to adopt offensive approach to challenge Opposition in Kajang - Muhyiddin

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Barisan Nasional (BN) will adopt an offensive approach to rebuff allegations from the opposition throughout the Kajang by-election campaign period.

He said though BN is seen as the underdog, it must not only withstand the political onslaught from the opposition but also go on the offensive by exposing what need to be known by the voters.

"If we continue to be defensive, we will be seen as weak. We too have information on our opponent or opponents, including the aspiring independent candidate.

"We know the crisis and internal conflict within PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) and that the policies implemented have not benefited the people, including people in Kajang," he told reporters after chairing a BN election machinery meeting at Hulu Langat UMNO office, Monday.

Also present were Selangor UMNO chief Datuk Seri Noh Omar, MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and BN candidate Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

Muhyiddin who is also the BN deputy chairman said BN would not resort to any form of character assassination of any individual but rather inform the voters in Kajang of the party's plans to bring about development in the constituency.

"We (BN) will go all out in our quest to win the seat. As such all the election machinery must be mobilised in full force," he said.

The Election Commission has set March 23 as the date for the Kajang by-election, giving all parties 12 days to canvass for votes after nomination day on March 11.

In the Kajang by-election, Mei Fun is expected to face Pakatan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

The seat fell vacant when incumbent Lee Chin Cheh from PKR tendered his resignation on Jan 27, allegedly to pave the way for Anwar to contest the seat and probably become the next Selangor Menteri Besar.

Meanwhile, while launching the BN election machinery in Taman Saujana Impian in Kajang, Muhyiddin said BN committed to win the by-election although the party was the underdog.

He said the BN candidate, Datin Chew Mei Fun has a good track record having served as the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.

"People say that we are the underdog and can't win. However, we want to win and our machinery, mainly women will ensure this," Muhyiddin said.

Also present were BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, Wanita UMNO chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and BN by-election director for Kajang, Datuk Seri Noh Omar.

Muhyiddin urged the Wanita BN machinery in Kajang constituency to visit all 16 voting districts to attract the voters there.

In the meantime, Chew said the Wanita BN election machinery plays an important role in every election as they are deemed to be the backbone of the party.

"Women play an important role in elections as they are the ones who go from house to house. We will work hard not only to draw young voters, but also voters from all levels of society," she said.

Chew is expected to face opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and independent candidate Datuk Zaid Ibrahim in the Kajang by-election on March 23.