Penang BN still trying to get its act together

After the "crisis" involving unhappy incumbents being dropped out from its candidacy list turning independent candidates on nomination day yesterday, the Penang BN is scrambling to get its act together.

Although MCA and Gerakan have hit the campaign trail and their activities are visible, their ally Umno appears to be still trying to pull all its resources together.

The state BN secretariat told the media that their lists of programmes are not ready yet and they have just met the various coordinators to synchronise all their activities.

State BN chief Teng Chang Yeow (left) tried to put up a brave front, saying he organises meetings with BN candidates every three days before a press conference is held, like today.

"I meet them to get feedback about their campaigns at the grassroots level, asking them to come out with their schedules.

“Sometimes it is delayed because we cannot get a proper venue or we are not allowed to use public places, so we have to go looking for private ones," he said in Juru in mainland Penang, today.

"But we have not encountered any problem. Things are going smoothly, everyone is disciplined, even when we stumble upon Pakatan candidates, no conflict takes place," added the Bukit Tengah candidate.

Teng is in a three-cornered fight with former BN Batu Kawan coordinator A Mohan and PKR's Ong Chin Wen, the Bukit Tengah incumbent.

This morning, when Teng hit the campaign trail, he bumped into DAP candidates P Ramasamy (Perai) and Kasthuri Patto (Batu Kawan) in the Perkampungan Juru market.

He also met with his opponent,Ong, and shook hands before each went on their trails to woo traders and shoppers.

However, Teng is trying to prevent activities that may attract a negative perception about BN's campaign.

There are reports that betting on candidates to win or lose have started among the voters, according to a local Chinese daily.

Teng, who is also Gerakan secretary-general, urged voters not to indulge in such activities, and to refrain from playing such games.

"I was shocked to read the news. Such activities affect both sides. We hope the people will vote wisely, instead of getting involved in such bettings.

"We have given instructions to our machinery that they must hold up and behave in a highly disciplined manner up to the day we get the results," Teng added.