ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno is not worried to face Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), which plans to contest in Umno strongholds in the 14th General Election (GE14).
Its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah however warned voters to be wary with the choice of candidates that PPBM will be fielding.
He said Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) will give priority to local leaders to contest in state constituencies.
“I heard that they are planning to bring in candidates from outside to contest here. If that really happens, it means that they do not appreciate local leaders who have worked hard in building the party at division level.
“This will not happen in BN because we acknowledge the contribution made by local leaders since they know the voters in their constituencies better,” Bashah said.
The Kedah Menteri Besar was met after a walkabout at the Taman Wira Mergong farmers’ market here this morning.
He was commenting on the Pakatan Harapan coaliton pact's plan to use PPBM to woo voters in Umno strongholds.
It was reported that PPBM would be contesting in 52 parliamentary constituencies in peninsular Malaysia and in Kedah, the party is slated to contest in six out of a total 15 parliamentary constituencies.
When asked on a confession made by PPBM deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir that he harbours the desire to become prime minister, Bashah said it clearly showed that he is putting his personal agenda first before the party.
He said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was nominated as a candidate for the post by Pakatan recently would eventually pave way for his son to fill the post.
“The people should realise that Mahathir’s return to politics is due to a hidden agenda and Mukhriz himself has confessed his desire to for the top post.
“Thus he needed to do it while Tun is still around or else his dream will just remain as a dream," he said.
Bashah urged the public not to fall victim to the political game as it involved their future.