The Barisan Nasional victories in the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar parliamentary by-elections proved that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is more than capable of leading BN into the next general election, said BN strategic communications director Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
He said the landslide wins proved false former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s claim that BN would lose under the leadership of Najib.
In a statement issued here today, Abdul Rahman, who is Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister, said Tun Mahathir’s Anti-Najib Campaign had failed and the opposition was split and incoherent and seemed incapable of administrating a government.
"The people trust BN under the Prime Minister's leadership to deliver economic development and security," he said.
Abdul Rahman said the people had demonstrated that they were against any attempt to topple a democratically-elected government.
Abdul Rahman said Tun Mahathir must accept the democratic will of the people, even if it was not aligned with his personal interests.
"It would serve him better to retire quietly now, rather than subject himself to further humiliation," he said.
Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid polled 12,653 votes to retain the Kuala Kangsar seat for the BN by a 6,969-vote majority, beating Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad of PAS (5,684 votes), Dr Ahmad Termizi Ramli of Amanah (4,883) and Independent candidate Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary (54).
Mastura is the widow of MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad who died in a helicopter crash in Sarawak on May 5. Tan Sri Noriah Kasnon, who was the MP for Sungai Besar, was also killed in the accident, which necessitated the by-election in Sungai Besar.
That by-election was won by Sungai Panjang state assemblyman Budiman Mohd Zohdi who garnered 16,800 votes to record a 9,191-vote majority. He beat Azhar Abdul Shukur of Amanah who obtained 7,609 votes and Dr Abdul Rani Osman of PAS who got 6,902 votes.
In KANGAR, the Perlis UMNO Veterans Association said the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar victories should serve as a guide and provide the formula for BN on the selection of candidates for the 14th general election due in 2018.
Its chairman, Datuk Selamat Saad, said it was important to ensure that BN candidates were competent and ready to serve the people.
"Furthermore, UMNO members including divisional and branch leaders must accept whoever the top leadership picks as candidates instead of resorting to sabotage," he said.
Selamat, who is also the president of the Perlis Association of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak), told Bernama the spirit of camaraderie among the BN component parties in supporting the selected candidates regardless of community and religion should be the guiding principle at all times.
"I am confident that if this formula is adopted for the 14th general election, the BN can retain its seats and recapture the states now administered by the opposition," he said.
Bernama
Mon Jun 20 2016
Rahman says, it would serve Dr Mahathir better to retire quietly now, rather than subject himself to further humiliation. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.