No BN candidate in Penanti by-election. No BN support for an independent candidate?

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw feels that Barisan Nasional stayng out of the Penanti by-election is so different from its eagerness for by-elections previously.

If BN does not support an independent candidate, then it can be taken as genuinely staying out. Otherwise, it will be contesting indirectly.

Dr Tan gives an opinion on the decision by Barisan Nasional Supreme Council on 18.5.2009, to refrain from putting up a candidate in Penanti. It seems that it does not want to play to the tune of Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

Najib stressed that BN was more concerned with serving the people's needs and in stimulating economic recovery. BN would face the Penanti voters in the next general election and it was not scared of the by-election

Like all humans, people's representatives also have weaknesses. But, they must not be involved in such irregularities as corruption. BN is more than interested in misdemeanour of PR leaders. For example, BN gave a tough time to the previous state assemblypersons in Bukit Selambau and Penanti, so much so that they had to go. Then, BN does not field a candidate.

Servicing the people and stimulating economy are very important. Before March 8 last year, BN loved by-elections. Even when the economy was not good, it did not cite these factors as it fielded candidates. Now, BN has altered its thinking about by-elections. This boggles the mind.

Will BN truly avoid putting up a candidate in Penanti? This will depend on whether it helps an independent candidate for the constituency.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw