JOHOR BAHARU, March 12- Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of winning at least 160 parliamentary seats in 13th general election and return with two-thirds majority. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan(Pic) said BN is also capable of wresting back states lost to the opposition in 2008 general election.
“In addition to retaining 140 seats, BN is confident of winning five of 23 parliamentary seats held by PAS, ten of 31 seats held by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and five seats held by the DAP.
“With the 140 seats plus the 20 seats, BN will have 160 seats, which is more than two-thirds majority,” he told reporters after launching the Johor BN information machinery at Dewan Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat here today.
Ahmad who is also Umno information chief said the political scenario now is very different from 12th general election in 2008 that was more favourable to the opposition.
“If in 2008 there was a political tsunami, the tsunami will stop as BN will retake the seats lost. BN will face the general election with renewed confidence.”
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has stopped the political tsunami via programmes such as the 1Malaysia concept and aid to the people under the 1Malaysia brand.
“All these things have stopped the political tsunami and surely we can do better than the 140 parliamentary seats (won in 2008).”
Ahmad urged the BN machinery to work hard, make thorough preparation, avoid sabotage and comply with the leadership directive to support BN candidates. On the opposition held states, he said BN is most confident of capturing Kedah followed by Selangor, Kelantan and Penang.
As for Chinese support time around, he said BN is confident of increased support compared to the general election in 2008 which recorded a decline. The Chinese community is very concerned about the economy, business opportunities, wealth creation and political stability. Ahmad said the Chinese recognise that BN has managed the economy well, created business opportunities and preserved political stability.
“I’m sure the Chinese community will view things differently at the coming general election.”
BERNAMA
