Protect Umno supporters from 'opposition propaganda' - Zahid

JOHOR BY-ELECTIONS | Johor BN chairperson Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s cautionary message, urging the party’s machinery to avoid overconfidence, is a rallying cry for them to redouble their efforts in securing victory for their candidates.

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this to emphasise the importance of ramping up efforts to protect party members from being swayed by “opposition propaganda” in the run-up to the Sept 9 by-elections.

“Khaled’s intention is for us to strengthen our efforts among Umno voters…

“To work harder and not be misled by the opposition’s propaganda (which) involves 3R (race, religion, and royalty) issues and other related issues regarding the federal and state (governments).

“I am confident that Khalid, the entire Umno-BN machinery, and the Johor Menteri Besar (Onn Hafiz Ghazi), have mobilised all the machinery.

“This includes the information machinery to reject confusion, if any, among the Malay voters, especially Umno voters,” Zahid said.

Johor BN chairperson Mohamed Khaled Nordin

He was speaking during a press conference after an event in Sungai Abong, Muar, late this afternoon.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Deputy Finance Minister I Ahmad Maslan, and Nazri.

Yesterday, Khaled expressed concern that some of the party’s loyal supporters remain puzzled by the absence of a BN candidate in the by-election and are still struggling to accept the cooperation with Pakatan Harapan.

Highly accomplished candidate

Meanwhile, Zahid said Simpang Jeram constituents will lose out if they do not elect Harapan candidate Nazri Abdul Rahman.

The deputy prime minister said Nazri, who was an engineer in the Muar Municipal Council, has contributed significantly to Muar, particularly Simpang Jeram, over the years.

Pakatan Harapan candidate for Simpang Jeram Nazri Abdul Rahman

“He has devoted a lot during this time. Of course, compared to another (candidate), another person I don’t want to touch on personally.

“But I compared the two, the best that the voters in Simpang Jeram should choose is Nazri,” Zahid said.

He added that Nazri is highly accomplished and is pursuing a PhD focused on flood-related studies.

He explained that due to these qualities, the late Salahuddin Ayub, who held the seat previously, entrusted Nazri to assist in overseeing the constituency for two consecutive terms. - Mkini