Najib to blame for rebellion, hints Rais

Outgoing Information, Communication and Culture Rais Yatim, dropped as BN candidate for the upcoming election, has hinted that the problems which beset BN during nomination day were caused by BN chairman Najib Razak.

Rais suggested that the selection of candidates by the coalition had not been systematic.

Over 60 UMNO leaders, including Wanita UMNO deputy chief Kamilia Ibrahim, have resorted to forcing multi-cornered fights protesting Najib's final decision. Both UMNO and MCA are currently in a spring-cleaning exercise, sacking members who are contesting as independents.

Prior to this, Najib had announced that his final list would comprise only 'winnable' candidates. Many of the BN candidates list this time are also said to be newcomers and young faces.

But Rais pointed out that other factors should have been taken into account by the leadership.

"In deciding winnable candidates, the party leader must justify the candidates' qualification. Age should not be the only consideration, but their productivity too must be taken into account," he said.

"What is the use of being young but productivity and performance were not taken into consideration?" asked Rais.

He also blamed the rebellion by disgruntled BN candidates on the leadership's decision to unveil its list of candidates at the last minute.

-Harakahdaily