Johor polls: Who helped Felda should not be made an issue - Zahidi

The question as to who has helped Felda should not be played as an issue in the Johor state election, Umno Supreme Council member Zahidi Zainul Abidin said.

This is because all parties, in particular the ruling Barisan Nasional government, have played some role in assisting Felda folks ever since it was formed during the BN administration, the deputy communications and multimedia minister said.

“This issue was triggered when Azmin (Perikatan Nasional information chief Azmin Ali) and Najib (former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak) started squabbling (about the issue) but what is important is that when there is an alliance government like now, every party is helping Felda.

“Not necessarily Azmin, and not necessarily Najib as Felda has been in existence for a long time and we have helped a lot, including myself when I was part of the Felda committee.

“So during this election, do not make claims as to who has helped (Felda),” Zahidi (above) said at a BN campaign programme for the Panti state constituency in Bandar Tenggara Utara in Kota Tinggi last night. Also present was the BN candidate for Panti, Hahasrin Hashim.

Prior to this, Azmin had challenged Najib to a debate on Felda issues.

Asked whether sentiments played by the opposition would affect BN's chances of winning the Johor polls, Zahidi said it would not as the state remains a BN stronghold.

Zahidi also said that former Johor Lama Bersatu assemblyperson Rosleli Jahari’s intention to join Umno was a good move for the party.

“Many Bersatu and Pejuang (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air) members have asked to rejoin Umno and we see this as a good development as splinter parties don’t really progress,” he said while calling on all Malays to unite under one movement.

- Bernama