BN Batu wants local, ‘WALI’ candidate for GE16

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) Batu has agreed that its candidate for the Batu parliamentary seat in the 16th general election (GE16) must be a local and not a “parachute” candidate, says its division chief Datuk Gulam Muszaffar Gulam Mustakim.

Gulam said the decision was reached by consensus at a BN Batu parliamentary meeting on Sept 29, which was attended by representatives of all component parties.

He said the meeting, which he chaired, was attended by representatives from UMNO, MCA, MIC, PPP, IPF, Makkal Sakti and KIMMA.

“Each component party was given the opportunity to present its views, feedback and position on the candidate who will represent BN in Batu in GE16,” he said in a statement.

Gulam said the meeting agreed that the BN candidate must be a local who understood the constituency and its residents, rather than someone parachuted in from outside.

He said the candidate must also possess the qualities encapsulated by the acronym “WALI” — winnable, acceptable and likeable.

“BN Batu also agreed to establish a special committee and secretariat comprising representatives from each BN component party to formulate preparations, direction, strategy and campaign operations for GE16,” he said.

Gulam said the move reflected the division’s readiness to face the next general election.

“Insha-Allah, BN Batu is ready for GE16. The Blue Wave,” he said.