‘Splinter groups won’t last’

> They have no impact on BN strongholds, says Kedah MB

SUNGAI PETANI: Opposition parties formed by splinter groups of the main opposition players never last long, said Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah (pix).

He said these “small fry” would make no impact whatsoever in Barisan Nasional strongholds.

“We know voters loyal to BN will not switch camps. They know such parties have a short life span and will never deliver the goods.

“For example, a party that is a splinter of PAS, will die a natural death. The same fate awaits Bersatu (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia), it will not be able to make inroads into Umno strongholds,” he told reporters after attending the “Jelajah Muafakat Rakyat 2018” programme for the Gurun constituency in Kampung Baru Bedong near here yesterday.

Ahmad Bashah said this when asked to comment whether these parties could sway support away from BN.

In PADANG TERAP, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the fact that the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan did not name its candidates early for the 14th general election purportedly from being bought over by BN showed that it did not have confidence in them.

The education minister said the claim by the coalition’s chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (that the candidates would be tempted by offers of money) was just a ruse to hide their weakness because of a shortage of credible candidates.

“Did he also buy candidates when he (Mahathir) was prime minister … he should not be saying such things,” he said after opening the “Jelajah Pendidikan Bumiputera 2018” progamme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Naka.

Mahathir is Bersatu chairman. Pakatan Harapan is made up of Bersatu, DAP, PKR and Amanah, a splinter of PAS. – Bernama