Newly minted Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin has called on the people not to turn the upcoming by-elections on April 7 into a referendum on the leadership of incoming premier Najib Abdul Razak.

He said the by-elections at Bukit Gantang in Perak, Bukit Selambau in Kedah and Batang Ai in Sarawak were significant as coincidentally, they would be held soon after the transition of power.

muhyiddin yassin and najib and umno "I like to remind voters that they are by-elections, not a referendum on Najib's leadership," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Muhyiddin said voters should consider the future and efforts being taken to improve policies aimed at developing the country without neglecting any race.

"We want to implement more effective social programmes fast. We begin by having a new leadership," he said.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin also lashed out at the record setting participation of independent candidates in the Bukit Selambau by-election.

The international trade and industry minister said the 13 independents were running for personal gain and not pursuing the interest of the people.

"They have no political ideology or philosophy. I don't think the voters will throw the opportunity away by voting any of them.

"I don't think they are after victory but merely for the sake of contesting and not to serve the community. But in democracy, they are not barred from contesting," he said.

'Don't repeat the mistake'

He said the previous Selambau assemblyperson V Arumugam of PKR had shirked his duty as an elected representative and a state executive councillor.

bukit selambau state seat kedah 110209 "Do not repeat the mistake. I think if the PKR candidate wins the by-election, he will also shirk his duty as the party has no philosophy. They are contesting for personal gain," he said.

Muhyiddin said Barisan Nasional would tackle issues raised by the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities in the constituencies.

He said the by-election was also the right time, for the new BN leadership under Najib, to expound on its commitment for reform to the people.

On BN's chances in Bukit Selambau, he said, "It's 50-50. I need another one percent to win."

As Umno deputy president and the incoming deputy premier, Muhyiddin has been tasked with overseeing the ruling coalition’s efforts to capture the three seats.