IS UMNO SCRAPPING THE BOTTOMS?

It was reported that the Teluk Kemang UNMO Division wants former MB Negeri Sembilan and ex-Federal Territory Minister Tan Sri Isa Samad to be their candidate for the Bagan Pinang state assembly by-election scheduled to be held soon following the death of the incumbent, YB Azman Mohd Nor on Thursday, September 3, 2009. This will be the ninth by-election to be held since the March 8, 2008 General Election where the opposition had won seven against one in favour of the BN. In other words, BN/UMNO had lost all the by-elections held in Peninsular Malaysia and this is startling.

The choice of an acceptable candidate will once again pose a major concern to the BN leadership, particularly that of UMNO. The lesson of the previous by-elections, especially the recent Permatang Pasir by-election and the Kuala Trengganu by-election in particular, that saw their choice candidates crumbled despite the full weight of party and 'govermental' support, will hopefully serve the BN leadership to rethink seriously the essential criteria necessary of its candidate, to ensure a convincing win for the party.

I personally think that Tan Sri Isa Samad choice as proposed by Teluk Kemang UMNO Division is flawed from the start. He should not even be considered for a mediocre party post. Now, to be nominated as a likely candidate for a by-election, knowing that he has a tinted past, will make him a 'shooting duck' by the opposition during the campaigning.

Did we not see how the opposition made 'mince meat' out of Rohaizat during the Permatang Pasir by-election by exposing his lack of integrity and his scandalous past? I am quite sure the opposition is ready with 'missiles' and 'rockets' to assassinate the character of Tan Sri Isa Samad if the party so accepts him as the candidate. And Tan Sri Isa Samad should know full well that the attack on his past character will be the opposition's main thrust of attack and there is nothing the government can do to silence them. I am also quite certain his past record as the former state MB and a federal minister will be also be spilled out.

My choice of an ideal candidate is one that is a local of Bagan Pinang, possesses strong religious credentials, a God fearing person and is devoid of scandals and an untarnished personality. Having a tertiary education is preferred and should have excellent public speaking capabilities. He should not be seen as a crony of some top party official or a relative of the Menteri Besar, as this will create dissension within the party members. He should not be too old, and the preferred range should be between 37 to 45 years of age.

The above are some essential criteria of a good candidate that is not exhaustive. But the concern now is whether UMNO could find one meeting the aforesaid criteria from within its existing rank. UMNO's choice of a candidate in the past is much to be desired, and the results so obvious. And as I have said before, BN/UMNO cannot afford to lose another by-election, and losing for the 8th time does not augur well for the future of the party.

And in a surprised TV news report last night, the AG Gani Patail had announced that the Kepala Lembu protestors will be formally charged; some under the Seditious Act while others for illegal assembly. This is a slap on the face of Home Minister Hishamuddin and others who claimed to have supported the actions of the protestors. Let us see if there will be a candle light vigil at the Shah Alam police station or at the gates of the Selangor State Secretariat building, by those in defence of the protestors. Hopefully, Khir Toyo or Hishamuddin will not be one of them.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION