We have always said that two-thirds is traditionally our benchmark, the minimum benchmark. We would like to go beyond the two-thirds.

We are obviously looking to recapture Kelantan, so that the whole country will be governed by the BN. These are the two basic objectives.

I don't want to hazard a guess. But we are realistic enough to understand that there will be highs and lows, as long as the lows do not go below the two-thirds majority.

We would also like to measure the popular vote for the BN, although that is not the paramount criteria. The total number of parliamentary seats is what really matters.

It is. We see the situation in Kelantan is quite ripe for a change. We do realise that PAS has quite solid support in many constituencies.

Nevertheless, we think we stand a good chance provided we hang on to the seats that we have - the rural seats - and we win more urban seats.

We think Awang Adek has the credentials to lead Kelantan, and we have tested the ground. His leadership has broad-based support.

Not necessarily. But we cannot take (it) for granted...in previous elections, the Indians have always delivered a very high percentage, as high as 80 per cent. That level of support is under threat.

We are doing our best to send a message to the Indians that their interests lie in working within the system, not against it.

MIC, too, has to rebrand itself as a political party. We are trying to tell the Indians that (the election) is not a question of personality, but having MIC as part of the coalition is best for their interests.

He has indicated in the press that this is likely to be his last term.

One of the inherent responsibilities of a leader is to prepare the next generation of leaders. The fact that Samy Vellu is staying back is for him to prepare the next line of leaders, to oversee that before he departs.

Earlier on, but lately it seems to have swung back in our favour.

I think we have managed to address some of their concerns, such as education.

That's not paramount because they (the Chinese) know that there is no fundamental shift. There are problems in managing a multiracial society but we are not pursuing an Islamic theocratic state.

I don't think so.

The cost of living, and crime.

Well, they don't say nasty things! They seem quite happy, they shake my hand, sometimes quite vigorously. I'm quite pleased, and it's quite multiracial.