Comment by Zubaidah Abu Bakar

(New Straits Times) - JUDGING from Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo's criteria for Barisan Nasional candidates in the general election, as told to the New Straits Times , certain "controversial figures" will make the cut in Selangor.

The 1.4 million voters in the state will likely have to choose from two candidates in each seat since the opposition has said there would only be straight fights.

Dr Khir, the menteri besar and state BN chairman, said fielding candidates who could deliver seats was priority. Whether they were perceived to be corrupt, scandalous or having disciplinary problems, they could be "forgiven" as long as they had a strong base in their area and could win the seat.

If they passed the screening by the Anti-Corruption Agency, their names can be in his list.

"When the election comes, the most important thing is the seat. After that, the system can take care (of itself) and we move on. My judgment is easy," said Dr Khir, 42, who himself is not free from controversies since taking charge in 2000.

"Only those who under-performed will be dropped," he said, adding that these people only made up between 20 and 25 per cent of elected representatives.

Will the likes of Umno's Port Klang assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Md Deros and Cempaka assemblyman Datuk Mad Aris Mad Yusuf be around then?

Zakaria was in the news when it was found that he had built a mansion in Klang without the approval of the local authorities and had defaulted on assessment payments for more than 10 years. Though this was rectified, the controversy has lingered.

Mad Aris is allegedly involved in at least eight land deals. He has denied the allegations.

There are also other elected representatives who have attracted controversies over the past two years.

However, it has to be pointed out that it is not Dr Khir but Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who will have the last say.

As BN chairman, it is his discretion to choose even someone who is not on Dr Khir's list.

Dr Khir said in the interview: "I would like to stay on in Selangor and complete my job. I want to see continuity to what I've done in Selangor. I think people are happy with my performance. I think leaders will consider the possibility of me staying on."

It is a fair request. He has come a long way since he was plucked from obscurity at the age of 35 to replace Datuk Abu Hassan Omar.

He has big plans for the state. He survived many controversies, especially in making unpopular policies that annoyed the people when they were implemented.

The most recent was the demolition of a Hindu temple in Kampung Rimba Jaya, which is said to have triggered the demonstration by the Hindu Rights Action Front (Hindraf).

His position was uncertain as politicians said there were groups trying to push certain figures, including those in the corporate sector, to be the new menteri mesar.

Dr Khir has also been criticised for his policies on squatters. And despite knowing his zero-squatter principle had compromised his popularity, the youngest among the menteris besar is confident of rebranding the state and its image to reflect its developed- state status it achieved in 2005.

He had defended his reputation, saying all corruption complaints made against him were "baseless". He refuted allegations that he had been giving land to "cronies".

Then again, setbacks should not be the yardstick as these should be weighed against his track record, including building low-cost homes, attracting foreign investors, creating jobs and providing urban facilities.

Observers believe fielding problematic candidates would be too risky for BN, especially with Selangor being identified as a hotspot for BN.

The strength of the opposition is not negligible and DAP, Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat are capitalising on issues like the increase in crime, economy and illegal immigrants.

DAP has made inroads especially in urban seats such as Petaling Jaya Utara. Pas and PKR are working hard as they are eyeing mixed and Malay-majority seats.

Selangor is not only the wealthiest and most industrialised state in the country, it is also home to a demanding and knowledgeable populace.

But Dr Khir is happy with the performance of the majority of the elected representatives. He is confident of a big victory.

The state BN, according to him, was not worried. Surveys conducted once every three months showed the people would vote for BN because they said there was no other alternative.

The most recent poll conducted by a local university indicated that about 70 per cent of the 15,000 respondents would vote for BN in the general election despite them registering many issues.

Comments (14)