Najib: We will retain Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat

Saturday December 6, 2008 - Staronline

KUALA TERENGGANU: Barisan Nasional is confident of retaining the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat as the state is a stronghold of the coalition, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the state of affairs and scenario in Kuala Terengganu were different from that in Permatang Pauh, where the Opposition won in the last by-election.

Moral support: Najib shaking hands with the late Razali’s son Khairul Ariff at the family’s home in Kampung Batu Burok.
Looking on are Razali’s wife Datin Noraini Lob Yusoff (left)
and son Khairul Amar.

“We cannot compare the two constituencies. The state of affairs and scenario are different. We will retain our seat,” he said after visiting the home of the late Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Razali Ismail at Kampung Batu Burok, here, last night.

On whether the campaigning by Barisan during the by-election would differ from that of Permatang Pauh, Najib said he would announce that later.

“My purpose of visit here today is to meet Umno leaders from all levels. Only then will I get the actual picture,” he said.

Najib also said that the Election Commission had taken every aspect into consideration including the weather before announcing the nomination and polling dates.

He said the Barisan machinery was ready to face the 12-day campaigning period.

The seat fell vacant after Razali, who was also the Deputy Education Minister, died while playing badminton at Institut Aminuddin Baki in Genting Highlands on Nov 28.

Najib described Razali as an extraordinary leader and very committed in executing his duties as a deputy minister.