The Batu Sapi by-election will be an "important indicator" of whether or not the public is receptive to the BN government and its policies towards achieving developed nation status by 2020, said deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said Batu Sapi's voters will set the tone for the rest of the country on this matter.

"This by-election is an important gauge of what the people think of the present BN government. Do they believe our plans are realistic?," he said at a Majlis Mesra Rakyat at the Sandakan multi-purpose hall last night.

deputy prime minister muhyiddin yassin at sekolah menengah sains hulu selangor 020410 02 Muhyiddin ( left ) said the BN-led government "means business" in developing the nation, citing the government transformation plan (GTP) and the goal of achieving per capita income of US$15,000 (RM4,665) as clear examples of the government's commitment take the country forward.

"This is not tipu-tipu (fooling around). When the BN government says we are going to develop this country, we mean business."

Muhyiddin pointed out that the people of Batu Sapi are better off choosing BN's candidate, Linda Tsen Thau Lin, as it would "make things easier" for the BN to bring development.

"Her late husband has done a lot of work, but there remains a lot of work that still needs to be done. It would be easier for Batu Sapi to make sure Linda becomes your representative," he said.