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Monday, 5 October 2009

Isa Was Chosen Because He Was Popular And Had Served Punishment

PARIS, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad who had served punishment that was meted out by the party (Umno), was chosen as Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Bagan Pinang by-election, because he is capable of winning and very popular among the people, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister who is also Umno President told a group of students in France that candidates for by-elections were chosen based on capabilities of the candidates to serve the people effectively in their constitution and liked by the people.

Najib added that former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, Isa who was found guilty of breaching party rules, was punished for his offence while he also lost the menteri besar's post and Umno vice president's post.

However, Isa had remained faithful, served the people and party well throughout that period and that his offence was only a technical matter within the party and did not involve the judiciary of the country, he said.

"The question here is whether he deserved a second chance or not. In our system, even a criminal gets a second chance and can contest the post after serving his or her punishment.

"This (Isa's offence) is only a technical matter in the party and he has already paid for his deeds," said Najib when asked by a student on the decision to pick Isa for Bagan Pinang.

Najib added that Isa was only contesting a state assembly seat and not a minister or menteri besar's seat.

The Bagan Pinang seat which fell vacant after the death of incumbent Azman Mohammad Noor on Sept 4, would see a straight fight between Isa, 59, and Negeri Sembilan PAS Commissioner Zulkefly Mohamad Omar, 45.

The Election Commission has set Oct 11 for polling.

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