KERTEH: Hard work will ensure that Barisan Nasional retains the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday.

"We won the seat before and we can win it again. But we have to work hard, starting with making sure that the electoral roll is updated," he said after opening the Kerteh Plastic Park .

Abdullah, who is BN chairman and Umno president, said the BN candidate in the by-election would be named soon.

"Whoever is the candidate, the person must be willing to serve the people all the time and not just project himself during the election."

The seat fell vacant upon the death of its member of parliament, deputy education minister Datuk Razali Ismail on Friday. The date of the by-election is expected to be announced by the Election Commission on Friday.
While admitting that it would be a tough by-election, Abdullah said party workers would need to go all out to get the votes for BN.

Asked if Umno has weakened following internal problems, Abdullah said: "For all you know, Umno may now be stronger than before."

On the Umno elections in March, Abdullah said the party was open to suggestions by members and the public who wished to see a united and strong Umno.

Some of the suggestions included how to curb money politics and strengthen the party, he said.