BN reps told to keep on their toes by Najib

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DPM Najib Tun Razak advised elected representatives to "improve their performance" in order to keep their seats come the next election.

The advice came during a backbenchers retreat at a Pangkor resort yesterday, where Najib also told the audience that they should evaluate themselves from time to time.

The electorate "would evaluate these leaders to determine how far that responsibility has been fulfilled."

"We must excel and champion the people's cause in our constituencies, just like how we champion their cause in Parliament," Najib was quoted as saying in Bernama.

Najib advised BN elected representatives not to wait for by-elections or general elections to come by before helping the people to resolve their problems.

Complaints from voters

He said the voters always complained when elected representatives wanted to resolve their problems only during elections.

"Voters want access to elected representatives and our service. Even if they cannot have everything that they want, they would be satisfied if they are able to at least meet their elected representatives," he said.

Najib said elected representatives could not just be the representative of their own ethnic community, adding: "Do not be unjust to all when we need the support of all, and that is fundamental point," he said.

The ruling BN government had won the last five by-elections Kuala Berang, Terengganu in 2004, Pengkalan Pasir, Kelantan in 2005, Batu Talam, Pahang Machap, Melaka and Ijok, Selangor in 2007.

The BN won the seats comfortably, except for Pengkalan Pasir, which was won with a 129-vote majority.

Pundits expect the next elections will be held between September to March.



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