Mukhriz: No 'punishing' of Sg Limau even if BN loses

Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir dismissed allegations by his political opponents that he had "threatened" Sg Limau voters if they failed to choose BN in the coming by-election.

Mukhriz said it was unfortunate that certain quarters "misinterpreted" his statement, saying that if BN lost, there would be no development in Sg Limau.

This was a "negative" misinterpretation and was wrong, Mukhriz  said, in his speech at the party's presentation of UPSI lecturer Ahmad Suhaimi Lazim as BN's candidate in Sungai Limaui today.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin made the announcement at the BN's operations centre in Bernas, Sungai Lentang.

"I like to say to all voters, there are no threats at all in our statements. We make promises and we will fulfill them," Mukhriz told the 1,000 odd crowd who cheered at his assurances.

"Such a negative perception only comes from those who play too much politics," he quipped.

Mukhriz said BN wants to bring the most effective development to all communities in Sg Limau and not to only to a few.

He guaranteed that there will be no project in the Jerai parliamentary constituency, which houses Sg Limau, or even Kedah, if it does not benefit the people as the whole.

"There will be no land seized for mega-projects. If land is to be acquired, we will discuss with the people first. Unless accepted by the people, we will not go on. Or else, when voting comes, we have to bungkus (pack our bags and go home).

"So surely we will not simply play the fool and do what is not beneficial to the people," he added.
Sun shining on BN
Earlier, Mukhriz said it was raining the whole morning but the sun came out as the DPM arrived in the area.

"The sun coming out is a good sign. It shows that we could win this by-election," he said, to loud applause.

Mukhriz said Umno members had been close to the late former MB Azizan Abdul Razak, whose death had resulted in the by-election.

Mukhriz said there was a bit of concern in Jerai during the party's election where "an unsatisfactory situation" may have occurred.

He urged for unity in Jerai so that BN can achieve success in Sg Limau.

Mukhriz said Sg Limau will pose a challenge as Azizan was from PAS.

He added even though BN heard of disunity among PAS in Kedah, they should be more concerned about what the people thought of BN, whether it was stable enough to win over Sg Limau.

"What is important is whether we can offer what the voters want here. We are not going to bring about a different ideology from the incumbent. We are going to bring development."

He called for a clean and peaceful campaign even if there was provocation by the party's opponents.

He added he hoped there would be no insults hurled against anyone as "every step and word we make, will be watched by all".