KEMAMAN: Unity among Umno leaders in Terengganu would steer Barisan Nasional in winning back the people’s mandate in the 14th general election, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Buoyed by the sight of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman on stage with two former Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said and Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh here, Zahid said he was confident the three leaders could provide the right formula for victory.
“This is not the time to talk about party elections but a time to talk about winning the general election. There is no point winning a place in Umno if BN is no longer in power," said Zahid who is also Umno vice president when opening the Umno Kemaman Division meeting today.
He said the reality of two former menteris besar and the current menteri besar sitting on one stage speaks a lot about Umno unity in Terengganu.
"This is a manifestation that they are willing to forgive and forget for the sake of unity in the party. As long as the leaders unite, I am confident that BN will retain Terengganu. No leader can fight a battle alone and expect to win in a general election without the support from the people and from every level in Umno," he said.
Zahid reminded Umno members not to let internal bickering become greater than the strength of the opposition because it could lead to BN losing the general election and urged members not to entertain differences of opinion casted by the opposition to create doubts or fan anger among the people.
"We have lost Kelantan for nearly 24 years, Selangor for two terms, Penang, Terengganu for one term and Perak for 11 months. We need to win back the states still under the opposition and at the same time ensure that we defend what we have.
"Losing power is too heavy a price to pay. We have to unite and build our strength from within. Our fight is not just politically motivated but it impacts the people," he added.
Zahid later revealed the government would allocate RM80 million for the construction of a new district police station and RM2 million for two futsal courts here.
Earlier, Ahmad said he would start a new chapter by forgetting the past to willingness to work with the present leaders to help Umno retain the three seats win and regain the Chukai seat which it lost in the last general rlection.
"While many people say that the BN will win easily in a three-cornered fight, but my advise is never take the opposition, especially Pas for granted," he added.