THE race is on. The general election, the pivotal moment in our democracy, is upon us. After the two-week official campaign, which kicked off yesterday, voters will cast their votes on May 5 to elect the party that they can trust most in running the country.
Simply, it is a choice between the experienced and the inexperienced. The proven and the unproven. The tested and the untried.
Even before the start of this campaign, there were already deep cracks in the opposition side, stemming from the infighting, walkouts and protests that caused anxieties even among the most ardent opposition supporters.
The record number of candidates contesting as bebas, or independents, has revealed the huge dissent within the ranks of Pakatan Rakyat.
The tone of the Barisan Nasional campaign was set by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak when he launched a comprehensive BN manifesto a fortnight ago and unveiled the candidates well ahead of yesterday's nominations.
Flanked by leaders of BN component parties, Najib introduced his team as the "transformation team" that not only reflected the aspirations of the people but also set the foundation for his new cabinet team post-GE.
In one stroke, he retired some old-timers, brought back proven leaders who were sidelined in the last election and roped in young and promising leaders.
In contrast, Pakatan retained some of the ageing leaders.
In essence, the BN campaign will be built around Najib, whose popularity has consistently ranked higher than BN, and his team of young, experienced and proven leaders.
With the emerging class of young and educated voters, Najib has to groom new leaders who can connect and be in sync with the young people, whose needs and wants may be different from the older generation.
The rejuvenation process within BN, which is long overdue, cannot take place if leaders who overstayed their welcome, continue to cling to their seats.
With Najib leading BN for the first time as its leader, it places upon him a heavy burden of expectations as well. He has so far successfully rebuilt the house of Umno, revitalised BN and transformed the economy and government.
BN has fully learnt the lessons of March 8, 2008, when the rakyat rejected the old ways of BN and denied it the two-thirds majority in Parliament for the first time ever.
What will be his main message to the voters? Najib's dominant theme will be: "Now is not the time to experiment and put it at risk." "Don't make the wrong decision." Otherwise the nation's economy will be ruined and the livelihoods of millions of Malaysians will be in jeopardy.
As for Pakatan, their main electoral pitch will be "time for a change".
Knowing that will be their drum- beat, BN campaigners will be quick to remind voters of the lacklustre Pakatan record in governing Penang, Kedah and Selangor for the last five years.
The message to the voters in the three states will be: "You don't have to put up another five years of Pakatan rule." Selangor may run out of water and Penangites may continue to suffer in silence if Pakatan wins another term.
Najib's message to voters is clear: Between Najib, Anwar Ibrahim and Hadi Awang, whom they can trust to be their prime minister?
The leader who can deliver his promises and tackle the hard issues facing the country will win the vote from the rakyat. In four years as prime minister, Najib has proven he can deliver.
The next two weeks will be crucial for both BN and Pakatan. How the election campaign is being waged will have a lasting impact on voters' decision.
The BN has a good story to tell. That will help them win the hearts and minds of the voters.
 |
| Young Barisan Nasional supporters at the nomination centre for the Padang Rengas constituency at the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council hall in Perak, yesterday. BN is going all out to woo young voters. Pic by Abdullah Yusof |
(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)
No comments:
Post a Comment