Mixed reactions from various quarters greeted Barisan Nasional's unprecedented decision to pull out from the Penanti by-election in Penang this month.

While local BN component party leaders welcomed the decision, announced by coalition chairperson Najib Abdul Razak yesterday, others deferred in their views with some criticising it as an 'act of political cowardice'.

huan cheng guan Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan lauded the move as it would save public resources and reduce the already high political temperature in the country.

"It will save funds and energy, which would be better channeled for economic revival and public good," he said.

However, PAS state deputy commissioner Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa felt that Umno was shying away from the contest merely to avoid a public backlash on its 'mishandling' of the Perak crisis.

"It was surely an act of political cowardice to avert another by-election bashing from the people," said the Parit Buntar parliamentarian.

mujahid rawa He asked if the 'mysterious' decision by BN to pull out from the Penanti race was an indication that the coalition had owned up to its 'wrongdoings' in Perak.

He rues over the missed opportunity for Pakatan Rakyat to drill and score another political goal against BN and Umno in another election.

He said it was a pity that a strong and big party like Umno would not contest Penanti, thus betraying its own supporters.

"Unfortunately a strong federal ruling party had admitted defeat even before the bell rang," he added.

'Forced upon the people'

Penang MCA government policy monitoring bureau chief Ooi Chuan Aik argued that the BN withdrawal would help the coalition to mobilise its resources to resolve the Perak political impasse.

He echoed premier Najib's sentiments that the Penanti by-election was forced upon the people by PKR merely to resolve its own internal squabbles.

"BN can now focus in reviving the country's economy," he said.

In supporting BN's decision, Penang Gerakan Youth chief Oh Tong Keong suggested for an amendment to the electoral laws to disallow by-elections forced by resignation of elected representatives.

kerusi dun penanti pulau pinang 200409 He wants the Election Commission to conduct by-elections only in the event of an elected representative's death, criminal conviction or being declared a bankrupt.

"We should focus our resources on economic resurgence, not on by-elections and politicking," he said.

Malaysian for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel) regional coordinator Ong Boon Keong however, was a bit relieved that electorates would not have to put up with BN in a by-election for the first time.

"Penanti provides a great opportunity for all participants to demonstrate how to take part and conduct a free and fair election, thanks to BN and Umno’s withdrawal," he said.

Umno's Sungai Dua assemblyperson Jasmin Mohamed was dismayed that his party would not contest the seat, saying it would also disappoint many supporters in the constituency.

Jasmin, who was among the strong local Umno advocates for a contest, however accepted the BN leadership’s decision and suggested perhaps it could be a blessing in disguise.