Zahid: Floods a sign from God
> Gerakan urged to use opportunity to win back Penang
KUALA LUMPUR: The floods that hit Penang are a “sign” from God and presents “the best moment” to regain the the state for Barisan Nasional (BN), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( pix).
He urged Gerakan leaders and delegates to use this opportunity to win the state back but not politicise the disaster and the aid given by the federal government.
“God has brought disaster on those who beat their chest claiming that Penang is free from floods. But God is showing that this is the best moment for us to take over the Penang government again,” Ahmad Zahid said when officiating at Gerakan’s 46th National Delegates Conference yesterday.
“The prime minister went to check on the situation although the state is administered by a different party because of (his) humanity and care for the people.”
Ahmad Zahid said many BN leaders, including Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, went to help flood victims out of concern.
“But did we politicise this? Not at all. Do we want to use all that happened as an opportunity to help people for political reasons? Not everything can be politicised. But if any party politicises everything, the people will punish it and its leaders.
“We know that previously the seed of hatred was planted against us. But when (the situation) turns, then we will be on top again. God will punish them because they have scorned us with hatred and now the people know that they are not as good as they claimed,” he said.
“I am confident that with cooperation from all the component parties, Gerakan will be able to win all the seats contested. This is my hope and the PM’s hope as well.”
At the conference, Mah said the Opposition failed as the government in Penang and Selangor and as the main opposition coalition because its vision is a “fairy tale”, its leadership thrives on sniping one another and its agenda is self-serving.
“When Penang was under Gerakan and BN, Penang was the shining pearl of the orient but today, it can no longer shine.”
Mah said Gerakan is ready to recapture Penang in the next general election and would restore the state to its former glory.
“Nobody knows Penang better than Gerakan.”