Friday March 8, 2013

Lahad Datu incident no bearing on general election

By NIGEL EDGAR
nigeledgar@thestar.com.my

KUCHING: The Lahad Datu incident has no bearing on the general election, say some state Barisan Nasional leaders.

They said although the date was still uncertain, the polls would not be affected since the Lahad Datu incident did not amount to war.

PRS president Tan Sri Dr James Masing said the polls could not be postponed beyond April 28 unless emergency was declared.

“As it stands, the situation does not warrant the declaration of emergency,” he told The Star yesterday.

Asked if the Lahad Datu incident could affect Barisan’s performance, Masing said: “Barisan’s ability to control Putrajaya is not seriously affected.”

State Barisan secretary Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi agreed with Masing, saying that the Lahad Datu incident was an act of terror and not war.

“The unfortunate incident in Lahad Datu of course needs urgent attention from the Government as people’s safety and our sovereignty are of prime importance.

“However, it would not affect the general election and it does not matter whether the polls would be held now or later,” he said.

Dr Rundi also urged parties not to politicise the incident and create uneasiness among the people.

SUPP president Datuk Seri Peter Chin said his party had full confidence in the country’s security forces to handle the intrusion by Sulu gunmen.

“We should all be united to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on this matter.

“We should face our enemies with confidence and above all, not to speculate,” he said.

News

Friday March 8, 2013

Lahad Datu incident no bearing on general election

By NIGEL EDGAR nigeledgar@thestar.com.my

By NIGEL EDGAR
nigeledgar@thestar.com.my