SHAH ALAM: Barisan Nasional’s ability to recapture Selangor in the 14th General Election depends on the candidates it will field.
State veteran chairman Datuk Ahmad Bahari Rahman said BN should learn from the last election.
“The people’s mindset has changed. Hence the mindset of an elected representative should also change accordingly.
“To me, the style and political approach shown by Sungai Panjang state assemblyman Budiman Zohdi should be the benchmark of elected representatives.
“We can see that Budiman has moved away from his 90s political approach and style. He is also comfortable in interacting with people of all ages. A BN candidate needs to have a growth mindset and change with the times.
“This does not mean that BN candidates must be young. It does not matter if the candidate is young or old, what matters is his political approach.”
On the advice for BN to feature corporate or professional figures, Bahari said it could be considered, but candidates should be chosen carefully.
“Not all corporate or professional figures are capable of being a good representative. An elected representative has to be active in going down to the ground to meet the people.”
Bahari, who is former Selayang Baru assemblyman, said Pas’ announcement to contest 42 out of the 56 state seats was a good sign for BN to wrest the state back from the opposition.
“BN is at an advantage if there are more three-cornered fights. Pas does not mind if it does not win the majority of seats contested. What is important to Pas is to topple Azmin (Menteri Besar Da-tuk Seri Azmin Ali), DAP and Parti Amanah Negara leaders.”
He said he was confident that BN could win with a slim majority of at least 30 state seats in GE14.
“Pas wants to contest 42 state seats. There will be three-cornered fights between Umno, Pas and one of Pakatan Harapan’s component parties.”