BN commander-in-chief for the Tenang by-election Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition seeks to beat the 5,517 majority secured during the 2004 general election.

NONE "Winning is not enough, this time we will claim back votes lost previously. Not only the 5,000 in 2004 (general election), but more than that," said Muhyiddin, who is also the deputy prime minister, before announcing BN candidate in a rally at Labis Umno division office today.

"This is a benchmark to give a strong signal, not only to the people, but to the opposition that Johor is a stronghold of Umno and BN!"

His fiery speech was applauded by more than 700 BN supporters.

Speaking at a press conference later, Muhyiddin said that the mood in Tenang was very encouraging and BN has been receiving positive responses from the public.

He said that this has made the 5,000 majority goal possible.

"But that is just the preliminary prediction. What will happen (later) during the eight days of campaigning is very important," he said.

He said that BN will not be over-confident and still treat the by-election as a "tough challenge".

No comment on Markom

On whether the decision to field Azahar, who holds no post in the Labis Umno division, reflects a lack of qualified local candidates, Muhyiddin said that BN wants to field a candidate "who is accepted by the people".

"That is our consideration. Although we usually take party post into consideration but this not necessary the case... After much consideration, we think he is the best choice," said Muhyiddin, adding that the entire leadership of Labis Umno division had expressed their support for Azahar.

Meanwhile, the BN deputy chairperson who is in-charge of the coalition's campaign in every by-election, refused to comment on the possible by-election in Port Klang state seat, which had been declared vacant today.

"Never mind, let us solve this first," said a smiling Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin, who is also the education minister, also refused to comment on the controversy surrounding Johor Education Department director Markom Giran.

"If there is a police report on the matter, then let the police conduct their investigations," he said.

The opposition is alleging that Markom had been flouting election laws which prevents civil servants from campainging activities. 

A video depicting Markom giving a speech urging the teachers in the Tenang constituency to support BN has been widely circulated on the Internet.