BN members reminded to avoid internal conflicts in facing two by-elections

Barisan Nasional (BN) component party members are reminded to avoid any internal conflicts that can lead to divisions in facing the two by-elections next month.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said even a slight misunderstanding could cause the BN to face a difficult path to achieve victory.

"Our victory in Sungai Besar, Perak for example was very slim with only a 399-vote majority and we also did not win big in Kuala Kangsar, Perak where the majority was 1,082 votes, so any conflict, even though small, will have an effect," he said.

Speaking to the media after closing the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's Sports Meet here today, Ismail Sabri said all members should not look at personal interest above party interest.

"We must give priority to the party in the election because in an election, the question is BN facing the opposition and the candidate is not the main factor for consideration," he said.

Ismail Sabri, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bera, said the question of who the candidate was should not be a major issue because whoever was chosen by the top leadership should be accepted and supported by everyone.

"I believe the contest in both the by-elections will be tough based on the results of the last election, that's why I emphasise that even a small split among ourselves may cause us to face a big problem," he said.

The by-elections for the parliamentary constituencies of Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar are being held following the death of the incumbents, the late Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad and Datuk Noriah Kasnon in a helicopter crash in Sebuyau, Sarawak on May 5.