A Penang-based NGO has cast doubts over former finance minister Daim Zainuddin’s prediction that Barisan Nasional will win with a big majority in the upcoming general election.

NONEThe Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak said that BN, especially Umno, should not merely “feel good” on hearing Daim’s (right) words.

“His words are merely rhetoric... do not forget, the opposite may just happen,” said Rahmad at a press conference.

“Do not merely let Prime Minister Najib Razak do all the work while other BN leaders merely capitalise on what he does.

“Don’t just let the PM talk about leadership transformation for the benefit of the rakyat, while the other leaders are not being serious about it,” he stressed.

Rahmad asked if the people are willing to allow BN remain merely an “artifact” after the 13th general election.

Power, he added, truly resides in the people’s hand and political leaders are only regarded as the “conductor”.

Rahmad was referring to Daim’s recent statement that Najib was a better leader than Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Daim, who was former Umno treasurer for 17 years, has given Najib higher marks to move the country forward, after being tried and tested over various issues.

He had also said that BN will do better in the election this time, compared to its performance in the previous polls.

Apologised to the rakyat

Meanwhile, Rahmad cited the reason for the prime minister’s recent public apology was due to Pakatan Rakyat’s growing strength since 2008.

NONENajib (left) had during the weekend apologised for BN’s past mistakes when he visited Kuala Ketil, in Sungai Petani.

Rahmad said that this is the first time in history where a BN government had, with a “serious and sad” tone apologised to the rakyat.

However, he said, Najib apologised so as to gain victory in the election.

“Whatever it is, we highly regard his apology but the question is can the people forgive the BN?

“Can all the Umno and BN leaders make the same apology like Najib with an open heart? They ought to, especially in a multi-racial country and with BN’s motto of ‘leadership by example’,” Rahmad added.

If they failed to do so, Najib’s apology would be a waste of time, he said, adding that the people have yet to forgive the BN for its mistakes, related to the country’s social, economic and welfare issues.

He advised BN to work hard instead of blaming others for its past mistakes, especially Pakatan.

“Our political scenario has changed. Now the people want a government which can really defend their economic and welfare rights, not merely one which wastes time playing porno-politics,” he added.