After laying low for several years, Isa Abdul Samad, who was Negeri Sembilan MB for more than two decades, has been given the task to reverse Umno’s losing streak since the 2008 general election.

isa samad bagan pinang 290909 02 Some political observers regarded the Oct 11 Bagan Pinang by-electon as a lifeline for the ruling BN after winning only one of the eight by-elections that had been held since last year's general election.

In four of the by-elections - Kuala Terengganu, Bukit Gantang, Manek Urai and Permatang Pasir - where the contests were between PAS and BN, the results were in favour of PAS.

A political analyst, associate professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia said Isa's selection showed that Umno wanted BN to win the Bagan Pinang seat with the support of the party's grassroots.

"The dilemma is how the BN is going to face the negative perception from people outside Bagan Pinang on the selection of Isa, who has been convicted of money politics," he added.

The selection of Isa, who is Teluk Kemang Umno division chief, announced by BN deputy chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, came as no surprise, although there were voices which said Isa was a liability to Umno.

Isa, who used to be Umno vice-president, was found guilty of money politics in 2004 and had his Umno membership suspended until June last year.

His attempt to return to active politics failed when he lost the contest for the vice-president's post in the Umno elections early this year.

Isa still has local support

Political analyst Prof Dr Ahmad Atory Hussein said there were people who regarded Isa's suspension as victimising him.

"Being retained as the Teluk Kemang Umno divisional leader after he was penalised showed that Umno members still accepted and supported him," he added.

isa samad bagan pinang 02 It was learnt that three names were on the BN's list of potential candidates for the Bagan Pinang seat. They included Teluk Kemang Umno Youth vice-chief, Mohd Najib, 31, who is Isa's son.

Political observer associate prof Dr Mohamad Agus Yussof said Najib was not the choice because of his age and lack of experience.

"Another reason is that if Isa's son is made the BN candidate, people may see it as cronyism, which is not good for BN," he added.

The Bagan Pinang by-election is called following the death of its incumbent, Azman Mohammad Noor on Sept 4.

Azman won the seat in the last general election with a majority of 2,333 votes. There are 13,644 registered voters, including 4,604 postal voters, in the constituency.

- Bernama

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