Barisan Nasional (BN) should give more attention to Chinese young voters to ensure that they support the BN candidate in the Kuala Terengganu by-election on Jan 17, said Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

He said based on feedback, this group of voters was inclined to support the opposition compared with mature voters aged 35 and above, who could better evaluate the services and contributions of the BN government to improve their lives.



Speaking to reporters after attending a dialogue session with Chinese association leaders and members of the Kuala Terengganu Chinese Chamber of Commerce here last night, Koh said the mature group's feeling of gratitude might not be shared by the younger voters in the constituency.


Asked about the tendency of young people to choose the opposition, he said it was a normal phenomenon generally, but they would support BN when they became more mature.



In light of this, Koh said BN must work doubly hard to get close to this young group and hear their voice and aspirations.



He said Gerakan planned to meet up with Chinese youths to explain to them the government policies, besides hearing their grouses.



In the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat by-election, BN's Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh will be challenged by PAS' Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut and independent candidate, Azharudin Mamat @ Adam.



The by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent MP and Deputy Education Minister Datuk Razali Ismail on Nov 28 last year.