Mahkota campaign to be a template for unity coalition, says Zahid

 

Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaking at the launch of the BN election machinery in Kluang, Johor, today. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The Mahkota by-election this month will serve as a template for the unity government’s campaign machinery in future elections, Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

Zahid said the by-election would be the first to involve all component parties of BN and Pakatan Harapan since they formed the unity government in November 2022.

The victory achieved here will be significant. If more elections are held in the future, this template will be used. This is the Madani government’s machinery and the same formula will be used in the next general election to ensure we remain in government,

 Bernama quoted him as saying.

Zahid, who is Umno president, said BN’s victory in the Nenggiri by-election last month has invigorated the coalition as the election proved that they could win in opposition strongholds.

Our commitment allowed us to win convincingly even though Nenggiri is in an opposition-ruled state and we had previously lost the seat,

 he said.

BN successfully reclaimed the Kelantan state assembly seat on Aug 17 with a thumping majority of 3,352 votes.

Zahid’s remarks were made when introducing Kluang Umno Youth chief Syed Hussein Syed Abdullah as the BN candidate in Mahkota. He also launched BN’s election machinery.

Also present were Johor BN coordination committee chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Amanah vice-president Dzulkefly Ahmad, MCA president Wee Ka Siong, and MIC vice-president R Nelson.

The Mahkota by-election was called following the death of assembly member Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2. She won the seat in 2022 with a 5,166-vote majority over Taqiuddin Cheman of Amanah.

The Election Commission has set Sept 14 for nomination and polling on Sept 28. - FMT