IPOH: The Perak Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of gaining a two-thirds majority in the State Legislative Assembly in the 13th general election, Perak BN secretary Ramly Zahari said here today.
He said since the political tsunami of 2008, the state BN has learnt its lesson and has since been concentrating on its homework to woo back voters who had voted for Pakatan Rakyat in the last general election.
He also claimed that BN is reaching out to various political parties like Kimma, Malaysian Makkal Sakthi Party, Indian Progressive Front and other NGO groups.
Ramly said that based on positive feedback, the BN can obtain a two-thirds majority in the coming general election.
When asked how good was his assessment on securing a two-thirds majority to retain the state, he said, “You must realise that I have vast experience in the political arena… I can sense the mood of the people.”
Ramly was speaking to FMT after a press briefing to announce the planned gathering of 2,100 BN state delegates at the state Umno headquarters here. He is also the former Umno state secretary.
On whether the state BN has reached out to the Chinese community, Ramly said “We have our ways to convince the community.”
He claimed that even the rural Malay youths who were initially anti-BN were now slowly warming up to the ruling party.
Winnable candidates
On rumours that Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir may join the federal government, and will be replaced by Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Ramly said:
“I think that Zambry should be given a second term to carry out his reforms for the state.”
On talks that the state Umno Youth is unhappy with Zambry being the menteri besar, he said:
“We cannot make all the people 100% happy. But I don’t know if Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has other plans for Zambry. But we support whatever move that the PM makes.”
On the state PAS Youth’s allegation that Najib is going to field only young BN candidates for the coming election and that Ramli and other state senior Umno leaders will be dropped, he said:
“Not true. What Najib wants is winnable BN candidates comprising new and old members.”
“But we will give our full moral support to the BN state candidates if we are dropped,” he added.
Meanwhile, the gathering of the state BN delegates will be officiated by Zambry at Lumut between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Saturday.
Top BN leaders including former Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik, former MIC president S Samy Vellu, PPP president M Kayveas, and MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek are expected to attend.
From : Free Malaysia Today
