Najib directs MPs to get their act together or face the axe

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
newsdesk@thestar.com.my


KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has directed Barisan Nasional MPs to prepare for the next general election, reminding them that only “winnable” candidates will be fielded, irrespective whether they are incumbents or hold party positions.

The Barisan chairman, who met MPs from component parties prior to the start of Parliament yesterday, also reminded them that they were constantly being monitored and their performances evaluated as he wanted to ensure that MPs executed the duties entrusted to them.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the Prime Minister wanted Barisan MPs to be people-centric and ensure that “people-centric” projects were carried out.

“He also wanted us to start preparing for the election and reminded us that even though you are an incumbent, it does not mean that you will be there (as a candidate).

Economic boost: Najib announcing the nine new entry point projects during the fourth ETP update in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The PM had a meeting with Barisan MPs in Parliament earlier in the day. — DARRAN TAN / The Star
“It has to be a candidate who is acceptable by the grassroots,” he said after attending a closed-door meeting.

Asked if Najib had hinted when the general election would be held, Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin said “there is definitely a sense of urgency by the encouragement he gave us.”

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin said while no concrete date was given, the Barisan chairman wanted preparations to start now.

Senator Datuk G. Palanivel said Najib also briefed MPs on how they should answer questions and issues raised in Parliament.

Kampar MP and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong said Najib spoke on many issues, including plans for the impending Sarawak state election.

KOMEN : ADAKAH PILIHANRAYA UMUM MALAYSIA KE 13 SEMAKIN HAMPIR? MASIH MENJADI TEKA TEKI KERANA PM (BN) MASIH MEMPUNYAI MASA SELAMA 2 TAHUN UNTUK MENERUSKAN PEMERINTAHAN DAN MENJALANKAN AMANAH YANG RAKYAT BERIKAN. PM MENGINGATKAN KEPADA SEMUA WAKIL RAKYAT (BN) BAHAWA CALON YANG WINNABLE AJE YANG AKAN DICALON TANPA MENGIRA KEDUDUKAN DAN PANGKAT MEREKA DALAM PARTI. TAK LAMA LAGI NAMPAKLAH BATANG HIDUNG MEREKA INI YANG TAK PERNAH MELAWAT KAWASAN ATAU TIDAK AMBIL PEDULI MASALAH RAKYAT UNTUK MERAYU AHLI AKAR UMBI SUPAYA MENCALONKAN MEREKA MENJADI WAKIL RAKYAT SEKALI LAGI. KITA TUNGGU DAN LIHAT SIAPA YANG KENA.... ?