ZAHID: ADOPT 5 PRINCIPLES
This will ensure efforts by JR, JR Plus election machineries will lead to good outcome
DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has outlined five principles for the Jalinan Rakyat (JR) and Jalinan Rakyat Plus (JR Plus) election machineries to ensure that Barisan Nasional garners a bigger majority in the next general election.
“We must adopt these principles to ensure that the efforts by JR and JR Plus will lead to a good outcome in the next election.
“Firstly, component parties must have teamwork and unity.
“Secondly, we must understand BN’s real struggles and we need not use the politics of hate like the opposition.
“Thirdly, we must win the hearts and mind of the people.”
The fourth, he said, was to address accusations spread by the opposition, including news in alternative media.
“We cannot depend on conventional methods of communication, such as face-to-face interaction.
“Lastly, we must win the people’s confidence through programmes that benefit them.
“The voices and views of the people must be heard, such as those shared through Transformasi Nasional 2050 dialogues, The work and plans drawn up must benefit the people and not serve ourselves.”
He said slander was the most dangerous strategy, and fake news would spread if steps were not taken to end it.
He said leaders must go to the ground to address accusations against BN.
Zahid, who is also Umno vicepresident, was speaking at the launch of Bagan Datuk JR Plus yesterday. Present was Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
He reminded people that BN had a proven track record in safeguarding people’s wellbeing and that the opposition, which tried to emulate the coalition’s formula, had been unsuccessful.
He challenged leaders in the constituency to gain a five-fold majority in the election and regain the Hutan Melintang state seat.
In the last election, Zahid retained the Bagan Datuk parliamentary seat with a majority of 2,108, defeating PKR candidate Madhi Hasan.
PKR’s S. Kesavan won the Hutan Melintang seat with a majority of 1,250 votes, defeating three candidates.
At an earlier function, Zahid warned non-performing elected representatives of BN to prepare to be replaced by more qualified candidates.
“This is a warning to leaders who have not been performing. I will advise the prime minister on this. You (leaders) can settle your personal problems when you are no longer the people’s representatives. Leaders must deliver and not neglect their duties.
“(This is because) some quarters have been using racial sentiments against some (BN) leaders who have neglected their constituents, and are more focused on private matters.”