KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor today reminded Barisan Nasional component parties to prove their mettle by actively reaching out to their constituents, including those living in affluent areas.
The BN secretary-general said at present, there was a disconnect between the BN component parties and the people they wanted to represent.
“Why are the BN workers afraid to enter the elite areas? Why are you scared? You are only interested to go into the PPR (Public Housing Project) areas.
“Why not go to Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Bangsar and Damansara Heights, where the rich people live? They have needs, too,” said Tengku Adnan, who is also Federal Territories Minister and three-term Putrajaya member of parliament.
He said this when officiating the Federal Territories MyPPP annual general meeting here, today.
Tengku Adnan said BN component parties like MyPPP should hold town hall meetings with Malaysia’s “elite groups” to discuss their problems, ideas and needs.
“These groups should not be feared just because they enjoy a better lifestyle or have a more critical mindset.
“We want the people to know that our party (BN) is not only for the poor, but also for all Malaysians.”
Present were MyPPP president Tan Sri Dr M. Kayveas, party senior vice-president Datuk Seri Maglin Dennis D’Cruz, vice-president Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan Jeganathan and Federal Territories MyPPP vice-president Datuk Zakaria Abdul Rahman.
Responding to Tengku Adnan’s call, Kayveas said MyPPP will arrange its first town hall session in Bangsar next week.
“We are aware that these groups are somewhat cut off from, or not entirely involved in, the development of Kuala Lumpur.
“So, we will give them a chance to speak about their problems and share constructive ideas which we can forward to the government,” he said.
Kayveas, however, admitted that engaging with Kuala Lumpur’s “intellectuals” would be a difficult challenge.
“We have to meet this challenge to ensure BN continues to have a place in all levels of society,” he said, adding that MyPPP also plans to hold town hall sessions in Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Damansara Heights.