Veterans raring to lend a hand

KUALA LUMPUR: A group of former elected representatives and Umno veterans, although no longer active in politics, are “raring” to ensure victory for Barisan Nasional in the general election.

“We have enough experience, skills and fire in our belly to give the opposition a run for its money,” said Tan Sri Ahmad Nordin Amin, deputy president of the council of former elected representatives, Mubarak.

He said the council had made the offer to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“We are more than happy and ready to help and have suggested that our members be included in the Barisan Nasional election machinery at every division.

“We can also engage with non-governmental organisations and senior voters to convince them that the Barisan is, and will always be, the right choice,” said Ahmad Nordin at the opening of a social media course for Mubarak members and Umno veterans by Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim here yesterday.

Welcoming the offer, Rais said “Mubarak members and Umno veterans were still a force to be reckoned with”.

Touching on the proposed muzakarah between PAS and Umno, Rais said “there must not be conditions for the discussion to take place”.

He said if PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was sincere in wanting the muzakarah for the good of the Malays and the Muslims, he should not impose conditions.

Nik Aziz had stipulated that Umno should discard its nationalistic stance and accept the DAP and PKR (PAS allies in the Pakatan Rakyat) into the discussion before the talks could take place.