The BN need not contest the Kajang state by-election if it does not want to be seen as 'dancing to the drum beat' of opposition party PKR.            

Several politicians and political analysts are of the view that BN should make an in-depth study so as not to be trapped in PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim's political ploy.   

In fact, there had been demands back in 2009 to Prime Minister Najib Razak, who helms the BN leadership, not to contest in the Penanti state by-election in Penang that year because the seat was not vacated due to the provisions of the constitution.     

The Penanti by-election was held in 2009 after incumbent Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin of PKR resigned on the excuse that he wanted to further his studies, besides clearing his name from allegations of corruption.       

Sabah BN deputy chairman Salleh Said Keruak ( left ) said BN needed to focus on efforts to reduce the people's burden and organise the country's economic structure, instead of paying attention to the opposition's political woes.  

"In my personal opinion, let Pakatan Rakyat continue to play its kind of politics while BN continues to serve the nation and take care of the people's fate," Salleh said in his blog yesterday.  

He said BN should consider not placing a candidate in Kajang because, in reality, the by-election was being held to fulfil Anwar's political desires. 

           

"Given that Kajang is said to be MCA's traditional seat, we are of the view that MCA must focus on efforts to strengthen the party under the current leadership and prepare for the next general election," Salleh noted.  

The Kajang state by-election was called following the sudden resignation of incumbent Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27.      

PKR named Anwar as the party candidate while former minister in the Prime Minister's Department Zaid Ibrahim has also expressed intention to contest as an independent candidate.     

The Election Commission has set March 11 as nomination day for the by-election, with polling to be held on March 23 if there is a contest.   

 

Heng: There'll be other chances

Meanwhile, Wanita MCA chief Heng Seai Kie said the by-election would be a drain of funds and it was deliberately forced to solve PKR's internal crisis.   

"Feedback (which) I received from the grassroots says if we contest, we will dance to their tune. It will be a loss to the country as the money can be used for infrastructure development and aid to the poor," Heng said when contacted in Kuala Lumpur.

  

She said MCA, which recently concluded its party elections, needed more opportunities and efforts to focus on party transformation and better delivery service to the people.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Politics and International Studies lecturer Md Shukri Shuib said it would be better if the by-election was boycotted by all quarters, if the incumbent's resignation was made without any concrete reason, was not investigated and no legal action was taken.                           

"It is not our intention to boycott democracy but there must be respect for the law.     

"This is not a question of being afraid, or who the hero is or not. If you want to become a hero, it is better to join wrestling as this is a better political strategy but if there is no necessity or interest, then it is better to avoid a contest," Md Shukri said.    

Universiti Sains Malaysia's Social Science Studies Centre lecturer Sivamurugan Pandian said BN did not contest the Penanti by-election in 2009 because of a similar scenario.          

Sivamurugan is of the view that BN should continue to uphold the same resolution which indirectly, would show its political maturity.          

Sharing similar sentiments, UiTM Alumni Association said in a statement that the by-election should not be forced on the voters in the area, who had only cast their votes less than a year ago in the 13th general election.           

"It goes against the principles and practices of democracy. As such, BN need not take part in the by-election," it said.    

- Bernama