Bersatu Puts Forward Poster Boy For Voters To Evaluate Tun Faisal

---

 


Bersatu believes it is necessary to showcase a “poster boy” for the 16th general election so the public can assess the figure nominated to shoulder the people’s mandate.
The party's information chief, Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, said this was why the party had earlier named its president, Muhyiddin Yassin, as Bersatu’s poster boy for Perikatan Nasional's consideration.
“When we decided within the party (to name a prime minister candidate), we felt it was good to let the people evaluate, to debate, to give their views - it's not a problem.
“The situation in other parties may differ from Bersatu, I can’t speak for them.
ADS“But for us… we feel this is the best time to name (a prime minister candidate),” he said in an interview with Malaysiakini.
Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail AzizBersatu’s annual general meeting on Sept 7 passed a motion naming Muhyiddin as the party’s candidate for the 11th prime minister.
Its secretary-general, Azmin Ali, said the assembly also expressed full support for the Pagoh MP’s leadership as Bersatu president.
“Delegates are determined to continue working hard on the ground and to strengthen the party’s election machinery,” Azmin had said in a statement.
PAS’ stance
Bersatu’s move, however, differs from its fellow PN party, PAS, which has rejected the poster boy trend in elections, citing how the appointment of a prime minister ultimately lies with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man argued that in local politics, anyone showcased as a prime ministerial candidate will face heavy “attacks”.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man“There is no need for us to show who our prime ministerial candidate is at this stage. In PAS, there are many figures qualified to become the prime minister. But in Malaysia, once we name someone, they will become a target.
“Secondly, I feel we should not be too quick to follow trends like poster boys. This is a new method in Malaysian politics. Before this, we followed the constitution, where the power to appoint the prime minister rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” Tuan Ibrahim told reporters recently.
During PAS muktamar, which concluded yesterday, the party did not name any figure as its prime ministerial candidate.
Both Tuan Ibrahim and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang also declined to be named as prime ministerial candidates. - Mkini

---