KUALA KUBU BARU: Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has expressed confidence that the coalition would win the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
"I believe we can win, despite DAP traditionally holding this seat. However, times have changed, and people can see the government's failures clearly," he told reporters during the Bersatu Hari Raya open house.
Responding to MIC and MCA's decision to abstain from campaigning if BN does not field a candidate, he said that their stance would benefit PN.
"MCA or MIC contest or not, it is their decision. We do not care.
"If they (MCA and MIC) boycott, it is even better if they support us. So we will not interfere with whatever they say, so it will in some way, help us," he said.
Muhyiddin said PN would announce its candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on April 25 after top leaders convene on Monday to discuss it.
"Tomorrow, we will discuss which candidate demonstrates the highest 'winnability'. We actually have many candidates. But regardless, when it is discussed tomorrow, any party that proposes a candidate's name, we will accept.
"We will assess each candidate based on their academic qualifications and involvement in non-governmental organisations in the Hulu Selangor area, as it is important to consider the sentiments of the local populace," he said.
However, Muhyiddin said before the candidate is finalised, the coalition will conduct screenings with several agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, police and Inland Revenue Board.
"If there are problems, we will discuss who passes these obstacles, then we will finalise it," he said.
Muhyiddin said the coalition has devised a strategy to secure majority support in the upcoming by-election.
"Understanding the demographic profile of the area is crucial for us, particularly considering that sentiments transcend racial boundaries in the current landscape.
"The breakdown of voters here is 46 per cent Malay, 30 per cent Chinese, 18 per cent Indian, Orang Asli and others five per cent.
"It is clear in terms of the government's shortcomings, maybe this is an opportunity (for us to win)," he said.
Muhyiddin said the by-election result will serve as a referendum, which PN will use as a platform to communicate with the public.
"The by-election result is not going to change the Selangor government with just one seat... it won't change the status quo, but it will send a signal to the government.
"This is because we know that everywhere, including rural areas, there are cost of living pressures, soaring prices, falling ringgit, increasing taxes, electricity tariff increases... everything is rising. So the problem is big. We will use this opportunity to explain what PN can do," he said.
