Seven horses bearing Umno flags kick off Penang leg

KEPALA BATAS: Seven horses bearing Umno flags to symbolise the party’s 70 years of existence marked the start of the Penang leg of the Umno 71st anniversary flag run at Jambatan Merdeka here yesterday.

Lending colour to the occasion was a Chingay troupe, which also bore a giant Umno flag.

Some 7,000 party members in the state are expected to take part in a host of activities until the Sang Saka Bangsa flag is handed over to Perak Umno tomorrow.

Earlier, more than 200 participants from Kedah Umno, led by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, handed over a party flag to Penang Umno liaison committee deputy chief Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

The Kedah contingent was welcomed with a traditional silat performance and more than 500 party members from the state.

Participants were in high spirits when they chanted “Hidup Umno” seven times despite the rain.

Reezal said the seven-horse parade was meant to symbolise Umno’s continuous strength.

“Just like the horses, Umno continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and we hope we will continue to make a difference.

“As for the Chingay, it signifies that Umno’s struggle is for the diverse races in the country and not merely the Malays.”

Bashah expressed confidence that Kedah would continue to remain in Barisan Nasional’s hands after the 14th General Election.

“We will pray for Penang to rise up in the coming polls and we believe Penang will pray for us, too.”