Koh admits BN facing problems in some non-Malay seats

GEORGE TOWN, Sat: 

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has conceded to "problems" in several non-Malay seats here not in favour of Barisan Nasional.

Feedback showed that Chinese and Indian voters, upset with certain issues raised over the past two years, would resort to "punishing BN” on polling day.

If this happens, it will affect the BN balance of power - 15 seats to Umno, 13 seats to Gerakan, 10 to MCA and two seats to MIC, he said.

For example, Koh said the coalition did not want MIC candidates to be unsuccessful, which means no Indian representation in the State Exco and State Assembly. 

“It is important for us to have a balanced representation in Penang. If the voters help us to preserve it, then we can function very well because all groups will be well-represented, almost proportionately," he told reporters after attending a forum on his move to the federal and the future development of Penang here. He was asked on feedback during campaigning, with polling only a week away.
Koh said although voter response in Batu Kawan, the parliamentary seat he is contesting, was positive, there were pockets of unhappiness in other areas but declined to identify them.

"Voters are becoming quieter now than before, which may be good or bad, because it may mean that they may have made up their minds. I am unable to assess how strong the problems are... all I know is that the unhappy voters want to punish BN," he said.

Elaborating, Koh said most issues were raised by individuals who do not represent change in policies or even views of top BN leaders.

"If that is the case, why should the voters get so upset that they want to punish BN?” he said. "If this happens we will stand to lose the balance within BN.”

Asked on how the intends to address the issue, Koh said: "We explain to voters that it is important to sustain the balance within BN so that all groups are well represented."

Koh also touched on the swing votes, which he acknowledged were more towards the opposition compared to 2004. "The swing votes will actually make a difference in the non-Malay seats. In other words, the balance within BN may not be sustained as it is before.”

--NST