Confident of change in Penang
Zahid paints ‘dark’ and bright scenarios on BN’s chances
KEPALA BATAS: The Deputy Prime Minister was in a good mood and had Barisan Nasional members and supporters in fits of laughter as he delivered his opinion on the coalition’s chances of winning in some of Penang’s parliamentary seats.
“Jelutong is dark and will always be dark,” said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, referring to the seat that the late DAP chairman Karpal Singh held from 1978 to 1999.
He commended Umno leaders for their good work in Kepala Batas.
“Tasek Gelugor, God willing. Nibong Tebal, it’s time we take it back. Balik Pulau, defend it; I’m watching,” he said.
“Bayan Baru, God willing, is bright. Bukit Mertajam, time to make the dark times bright.
“Permatang Pauh, there is hope. It is a little bright in Batu Kawan and in Bagan, it is bright and dark at the same time.”
Bagan is Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s parliamentary seat.
Dr Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that a “big change” will take place in Penang.
“It has to happen as the federal government has done much better than the state government.
“Don’t be consumed by resentment and prejudice. A big day is coming and it is time for us to change. Maybe you were angry or disappointed, but that was before.
“Our Prime Minister has created many transformations and you can see how much more efficient and effective federal government departments are now,” he said to a 5,000-strong crowd in Dewan Millennium yesterday.
Dr Ahmad Zahid urged Penang Barisan chairman Teng Chang Yeow, who was present, to move forward to restore the coalition’s rule.
“Teng, the ball is with you. You are the game changer and main player,” he said.
Dr Ahmad Zahid also expressed his pleasure upon seeing Penang MCA leaders and members showing up in force as he launched the National Registration Department’s mobile bus counter here.
He said he met with MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
“I am satisfied with the actions taken by both MCA leaders, who accepted my statements positively.
“Today, the state-level MCA leaders and all Parliament areas together with their committee members have come in droves.
“This is a proactive and positive step by the MCA leadership,” he said, adding that there was no tension between Umno and MCA.
It was reported by an online portal on Tuesday that Dr Ahmad Zahid criticised Negri Sembilan MCA for failing to send a representative to a Barisan event in Rembau.
A day earlier, during his visit to the parliamentary constituency of Bandar Tun Razak, he also chided the local MCA division.