KUALA BESUT BN would leverage on the popularity of previous Terengganu menteri besar Idris Jusoh to defend Kuala Besut, among other factors.

NONE Idris ( right ) pointed out that he as the incumbent Besut MP has been appointed as education minister II.

"It is a big ministry and the people of Besut are touched. They are proud and thankful, so since they are proud and thankful, surely they would support BN," he told media in Kuala Besut.

At a separate press conference immediately after Idris', Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan echoed similar sentiments, saying that it imparts a “feel good factor” towards BN.

"It is time for the people of Kuala Besut to appreciate the fact that their MP has become a deputy minister, and in such an important ministry," he said, while portraying Idris as a hardworking and creative person.

Besut is the parliamentary constituency that Kuala Besut falls under. Idris had served as menteri besar from 2004 to 2008. He is now also acting as the BN deputy election director for the by-election.

NONE Among his past achievements was to push through a proposal for the East Coast Highway to be extended to include Besut, which was eventually accepted by the federal government.

According to Ahmad ( centre in photo ), people would also support BN for the development in the area, particular the infrastructure supporting the local tourism industry, and for BN’s good cabinet line-up.

In addition, he said supporting BN would also promote political stability in the state.

'A candidate who meets the people's demands'

Meanwhile, Idris told reporters that he believes BN will win because it had put forward a candidate who meets the people’s demands - one who is young or first-timer, a professional and ethical.

He also said voter sentiment has also changed much since the last general election just two months ago, and it would be an uphill task for PAS to tackle BN’s 2,434-vote majority.

When asked about PAS vice-president Husam Musa’s claim that a PAS victory would aid Idris in a ‘clash’ against incumbent Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said, Idris denied that there is conflict between himself and Ahmad.

"He has no (political) capital. When he has no capital, he looks for it. Look at them. Their candidate is not capable; their party is not capable, so they prod at us. It is normal. Politics."

Earlier today just after nomination, Husam claimed that a PAS victory would undermine Ahmad’s position, whom he claims does not have a “solid political agenda”. This would in turn strengthen Idris’ position.

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