Shafie : BN Has recipe to capture kedah in general election

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal set two conditions for Barisan Nasional (BN) if it to capture states lost to the opposition in the 2008 general election. He said Umno and BN component parties should strengthen unity by abandoning negative traits by giving party interests priority and fielding winnable candidates. "With this recipe, it is not impossible for BN to do well at 13th general elections," he said when closing Kedah BN information programme at Dewan Wawasan here today. The event participated by over 5,000 people was opened by Kedah Umno liaison chairman Datuk Paduka Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah. It was held to explain current issues to committee members of BN component parties. Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan and Kedah BN publicity and information bureau chief Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom were also present. Shafie said the conditions were necessary so that Umno members did not sabotage BN candidates if they were not chosen to contest. He cited decision not to put up then MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel as BN candidate at Hulu Selangor by-election last year as a good example. "We want support for BN candidates chosen. If I don't say this, those not chosen will sabotage the election machinery. "PAS and PKR are not strong. We have to cooperate and strengthen unity, especially among the Malays." The Rural and Regional Development Minister said when the Malays are united, others like Chinese, Indians and Siamese will benefit as their rights are protected.