New Straits Times

ZAHID: TIME FOR BN TO RETURN PH’S FAVOUR

BN chairman says will mobilise resources to help DAP candidate

- QISTINA SALLEHUDDI­N HULU SELANGOR news@nst.com.my

THE Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election presents an opportunit­y for Barisan Nasional to return the favour extended by Pakatan Harapan to Umno candidates in previous by-elections, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The BN chairman said in past by-elections, such as Tioman, Pelangai and Kemaman, PH parties, namely PKR, Parti Amanah Negara and DAP, had lent their support to Umno candidates.

Zahid, who is deputy prime minister, expressed BN’s commitment to mobilise its resources to help Pang Sock Tao, PH’s candidate for the by-election.

“We will deploy our machinery across eight polling district centres and engage with voters, including those from the Orang Asli community.

“Our support is directed towards candidates representi­ng the unity government,” he said after accompanyi­ng Pang to submit her nomination papers at the Hulu Selangor Multipurpo­se Hall and District Sports Complex.

Zahid indicated that seats previously held by component parties within the unity government would be accorded to them, barring exceptiona­l circumstan­ces.

Despite MCA’s decision against supporting non-BN candidates, Zahid expressed hope for its involvemen­t in the unity coalition’s campaign for the by-election.

“We hope that MCA, despite its current stance, will reconsider its position.”

Addressing concerns within the coalition, Zahid dismissed apprehensi­ons regarding BN’s involvemen­t in the by-election, affirming its commitment to maintainin­g cohesive relations.

On a resurfaced clip featuring Pang criticisin­g BN in the previous general election campaign, Zahid urged people to move away from past grievances.

“We must focus on the present political landscape and foster new beginnings.”

 ?? ?? Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

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