BARISAN Nasional (BN) component parties have been told to assist the candidate representing the unity government in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Bharu state by-election.
In making the call, BN deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also fondly known as Mat Hasan, said the BN respected the system where the incumbent party would be given the priority to contest.
"The seat belongs to Pakatan Harapan (PH) and there is no reason why the other parties in the unity government should not help the candidate.
"We are not going for a general election where we can exchange seats. The seat was vacated following the death of the incumbent from DAP and the party should be given the choice to nominate another candidate," he said at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House which was also attended by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in Rembau.
On the MCA and MIC's reluctance to help in the campaign, Mohamad said they would manage the matter and pointed out that in the previous Pelangai by-election, the unity government also helped BN candidates.
The MCA and MIC had earlier announced that they would not campaign in the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election if the government candidate is not from BN.
Mohamad, who is also the Umno deputy president, said that the principle practised before was to help each other.
"People have helped us, now we are helping, this is all to make sure that the matter of facing this by-election can be well managed," he said.
He said BN will meet after the Kuala Kubu Bahru candidate is announced and will organise the strategies and plans.
The Kuala Kubu Bharu State Assembly by-election is held following the death of the incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong representing Pakatan Harapan (PH) on March 21.
The Election Commission (SPR) set the by-election on May 11, while April 27 is nomination day and early voting is set for May 7. - The Vibes, April 20, 2024.
