Local Factors Umno Pas Jv For Semenyih

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I DON'T want to comment about the fake 'Cambridge' cert of a PH deputy minister, an OINK minister or about Cabinet reshuffle. Its sickening!

I just wanna pen a bit on how Barisan Nasional, especially Umno should treat the upcoming Semenyih by-election. It's not too far away, with nomination day slotted for Feb 16 and polling on March 2.

The issue - candidacy.

Seriously, I do not agree with some suggestions of fielding an outsider in Semenyih, let alone picking someone belonging to certain 'favoritism factors' in the party. He or she must not be seen as being with this or that team and should not avow anything about it during campaigning.

The factor is WINNABLE candidate, and to win and get voters support, he must be locally-recognised. The criteria such as being a division chief, deputy, information chief or branch treasurer will not anymore carry weigh.

Gone are the days of 14th general election. What had happened back then?

A division or branch chief is just the party representative elected in an AGM. Months later, his popularity might erode, depending on how he carries himself around. Being a chief doesn't mean he has the majority support of members.

Get a popular candidate, someone who has been showing 'local touch' with the constituents, regardless of race and religion. I believe in this as it has failed in many previous instances. So, why must we bicker on it?

BN candidate may even come from MCA and MIC depending on the locals' acceptance. It's not necessary that 'this is an Umno area'. From my browsing in Semenyih, BN has a few potential candidates for the nomination on Feb 16.

Bringing in a parachute candidate would be a suicide move. Semenyih is semi-urban where sensitivity of the locals do counts. The Malays, Chinese and Indians could be well-divided for and against BN, and please remember Pakatan is a big influence now.

Now, banking on Umno-Pas cooperation. It could work out well, and the fact that Umno president Zahid Hamidi made a 'comeback' in a dialogue with Pas in Bagan Datuk last night, should augur well for BN, hoping that MCA will not make a fuss out of it. Kudos Zahid!

But still, the said cooperation will only work out well should BN workers in Semenyih draw the 'DOs and DONTs' to avoid over-zealous strategy. Yes, we have won Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat handsomely but never be on a complacent platform since Semenyih is just a state seat.

Again, locality factors must be given a focus. What separates PH and BN is only experience. So, apply this in all campaign, make comparison not to the extent of belittling the opponent. Now that they rule, let's speak fact and figure!

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