December 13, 2008 15:16 PM
KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional has to win the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat as a proof of its revival from the August's defeat in the Permatang Pauh by-election.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak said Umno and BN could not afford to lose another seat and that the coalition's win in Kuala Terengganu was vital for Umno's future.
"We have to win (the Kuala Terengganu by-election) because we want to make the victory a starting point for BN and Umno's revival from the defeat in Permatang Pauh," he added.
He said this in his speech at the closing of the Terengganu Umno retreat and the launch of the Kuala Terengganu election machinery at the Islamic Civilisation Park here Saturday.
Also present were Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, Umno vice-presidents Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Wanita Umno chief an Sri Rafidah Aziz, Umno Information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib and Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
Najib said BN's victory in Kuala Terengganu would give an indication that the people had chosen a party capable of protecting them and their future.
"We want to give a clear signal to the country and the world that the people in this country choose BN as their party," he added.
The Kuala Terengganu by-election will be held on Jan 17 following the death of its Member of Parliament Datuk Razali Ismail Razali on Nov 28.
Najib also gave some tips to whoever was to be selected as the BN candidate for the by-election.
He said that in any elections, voters were the most important and priority should be given to them.
"We have to understand that in elections, what is more important is not the Umno machinery, neither the branch leaders nor its committee members, but the voters who are the king.
"Who is the candidate is not important, but the person has to be someone humble, not arrogant, people-friendly, shake hands with all the people, do things which please the voters because they will love you because of the qualities you have," he added.
He said the candidate should also have a desire to win the by-election, a feeling which should also be shared by all Umno leaders, and not just saying it but to walk the talk by working together with all members in the coalition.
As to the BN's candiadate, Najib said he would make the announcement next week.
"The party president (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) has left it to me to name the person but I am not announcing it today because our agenda is to launch the BN election machinery. Wait until next week," he said. -- BERNAMA
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