With the declining fortune of BN, the BN leadership has to think long and hard before nominating its candidate for the Bagan Pinang by-election in Negeri Sembilan.

After the political tsunami of 2008, BN and its component parties have been proactively preparing their respective game plans for change and transformation. I am confident that positive and real changes are coming to our nation.

Prime Minister Najib Razak's vision is to transform the country in a big way to fulfil the needs, interests and aspirations of all Malaysians.

He is determined to wipe out money politics and corruption and to pursue integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance in our government to woo the hearts of the younger voters in the run-up to the next election. This younger generation cannot be ignored because they represent the group that can determine whether or not the present government remains in power or is defeated.

Bagan Pinang is an Umno stronghold. The choice of a suitable candidate has been much debated and given volumes of publicity in the printed media and the Internet. BN must not only win Bagan Pinang but also do so with a convincing majority to regain the trust and confidence of the people.

The defeat in the Permatang Pasir by-election was a painful experience for BN. BN shot itself in the foot by fielding a tainted, disbarred lawyer with an alleged second wife on the side. And all this coming at a time when the better educated public is demanding high moral standards, transparency, integrity and accountability in their public officials.

From the newspapers, it is stated that the Teluk Kemang Umno division has nominated only one nominee, its head, Isa Samad to be the candidate. Isa is not without controversies. He was found guilty by the Umno disciplinary board and was suspended for three years, for indulging in money politics.

The Teluk Kemang division has championed Isa's cause. Isa has put up an unprecedented number of Hari Raya posters all over the Bagan Pinang constituency. Banners of support for Isa are also seen at numerous places to apply pressure on the Umno leadership.

The question is, "Will Umno/BN ever learn from its mistakes?"