Khairy: Stop pointing fingers

Barisan Nasional's defeat in the Kuala Terengganu by-election should be looked at from various angles, and not just the candidate alone, said Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin today.

The Rembau MP said all those involved in the process of the by-election should shoulder the responsibility for the defeat together and stop pointing fingers at others.

"In Umno and Barisan Nasional, be it difficult or otherwise, it must be a cohesive responsibility shared by everybody because many factors contributed to the Kuala Terengganu by-election defeat.

"To just say that the defeat was due to the candidate picked by BN, it would be an easy conclusion. If people blamed the candidate for the defeat and if that was the only factor, that our job will be much easier," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Complex issue

"I view it as a very complex issue that must be overcome in the full context.

"What we have learned from the Kuala Terengganu defeat must be put to good use by starting comprehensive preparations early, study the current political scenario, review the campaigning and local issues," he added.

In yesterday’s by-election, BN failed to retain the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat when Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh lost to PAS’ Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut of PAS by 2,631 votes while independent candidate Azharudin Mamat @ Adam polled 193 votes to lose his deposit.

Commenting further, Khairy said the loss was due to many factors and not just one, “so we must accept all the views put forward and rectify the flaws.”

I feel it was better it happened now rather than during the general election as we can learn and try to make amends," he said.