Victory in Rantau could launch Mat Hasan as PM after GE15, says Subra

RANTAU POLLS | The victory of BN candidate Mohamad Hasan in this week's Rantau by-election could be the springboard that will take him all the way to the prime minister's seat.

Former MIC president Dr S Subramaniam predicted that Mohamad Hasan, who is currently acting president of Umno, could be appointed prime minister after GE15.

"In politics there is always a change. The government today may be changed tomorrow," said the former health minister.

"If BN wins GE15, Tok Mat, who is now acting Umno president, and is likely to be elected as Umno president, will have the chance to be appointed as prime minister," Subramaniam said at a group talk organised by MIC in Kampung Baru Segga, Rantau, yesterday.

"Victory in this by-election is the beginning, so you need to support Tok Mat. You need to understand this and do what needs to be done," he told a group of some 50 people.

The April 13 Rantau state seat by-election will see a four-cornered contest involving Dr S Streram of Pakatan Harapan, Mohamad and two independent candidates, R Malar and Mohd Nor Yassin.

'By-election due to EC's negligence'

The by-election was called after the dismissal of Mohamad's appeal to set aside the Nov 16 Seremban Election Court decision declaring his unopposed victory in last year's general election null and void.

In GE14, Mohamad was declared the winner of the seat after Streram was prohibited from entering the nomination centre to submit his nomination papers because he did not have a pass issued by the EC.

Subramaniam claimed that Tok Mat is being punished due to the negligence of the Election Commission (EC).

"On April 13, there is a by-election here, which was not necessary. It is being held due to the EC's negligence."

He added that Tok Mat won easily in GE14 as BN was still the state government at that time and he was also the menteri besar.

"There was no reason for him to lose." - Mkini