No tussle with MCA over seats, just different interests, says Zahid

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the Tanjung Piai seat has been held by MCA because 42% of its voters are Chinese.

PONTIAN: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says there is no tussle with MCA over seats, though he acknowledges both parties have different interests.

“The compromise between Barisan Nasional (BN) parties highlight our union, the collaboration among races.

“It is translated through BN’s selection of Wee Jeck Seng from MCA,” he said at a press conference after nominations for the Tanjung Piai by-election today.

“We must have a strong BN spirit and this seat has been held by MCA because 42% of its voters are Chinese.”

Zahid said he does not foresee BN facing a big challenge in the by-election if its machinery is united in ensuring a win for the coalition.

This, he said, was evident not just by the presence of BN leaders here but also the extrordinary spirit shown by MCA supporters.

“Surely, the government today has been sent a clear signal that they are no longer relevant in the hearts and minds of the people.”

Meanwhile, Zahid’s deputy, Mohamad Hasan, said he hoped voters would not follow their emotions in making a decision but evaluate the candidates rationally.

“The candidate who wins is responsible for looking after the interests of the people and development here for the next three years.”

The Tanjung Piai by-election was triggered by the death of its incumbent, PPBM’s Dr Md Farid Md Rafik.

The by-election for the parliamentary seat will see a six-cornered fight involving Pakatan Harapan’s Karmaine Sardini, BN’s Wee Jeck Seng, Gerakan’s Wendy Subramaniam, Berjasa’s Badhrulhisham Abdul Aziz and independents, Ang Uan Lock and Faridah Aryani Abdul Ghaffar.- FMT