Syed Ibrahim is the BN man

KUALA KRAU: Barisan Nasional component party members have been reminded not to be over-confident and work hard to ensure victory for the coalition in the Kerdau by-election.

Barisan deputy chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said they should not underestimate the coalition’s opponent.

“The most important thing is to ensure that our candidate wins on March 6,” he said after announcing Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad as the Barisan candidate at Dataran Seri Ketumbit here yesterday.

Also present was Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.

Syed Ibrahim is a special officer (Islamic Affairs) to the Mentri Besar.

Muhyiddin said recent by-election results showed that Barisan was gaining popular support, an indication that Prime Minister and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s political and economical changes were effective.

“We must now reciprocate by continuing to work for the people and listen to what they have to say. We hope that the momentum brought about by the results in the recent by-elections will go on until the general election,” he added.

The by-election follows the death of Barisan’s Datuk Zaharuddin Abu Kassim on Feb 12. Nomination is on Saturday.

The Kerdau by-election is being held simultaneously with Merlimau. Barisan will announce its candidate for that seat today.

On Syed Ibrahim’s candidature, Muhyiddin hoped everyone would accept Najib’s decision.

He said Syed Ibrahim’s religious background was an advantage and made him a formidable foe to his opponent, expected to be from PAS.

In his speech earlier, Muhyiddin said a wakil rakyat needed to work for the people, regardless of their background.

“They should not just sit comfortably in their offices, as some still do,” he pointed out.

Adnan, in his speech, said party members should not be carried away when campaigning.

“There are bound to be issues raised and demands made but we can only entertain the sensible and suitable ones,” he said.

Earlier yesterday, Muhyiddin spent some 20 minutes with Zaharuddin’s family during his visit to their house in Kampong Kerdau.

Muhyiddin was also accompanied by MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and exco members.

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