BN AIMS TO REGAIN DOMINANCE IN GE16 – AHMAD ZAHID

BUTTERWORTH, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional (BN) aims to reassert itself as a major and dominant contributor in the next General Election (GE), its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. 

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said BN seeks to secure more parliamentary seats in GE16, far surpassing the 30 seats it currently holds, to make a significant impact.

"At present, we are cooperating with other parties in the Unity Government. However, this does not mean we will retreat or fade into the background. What is crucial now is to strengthen internal unity, fortify our machinery and connect with the grassroots.

"Insya-Allah, the people yearn for BN to regain its dominance, not only in Penang but throughout Malaysia. Nevertheless, we must not become overly comfortable with the current support. We must translate this backing into meaningful engagement with the people," he when opening the Penang BN Convention at the PICCA Convention Centre here today. 

Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that engaging with grassroots communities is one of the most effective strategies for BN to reclaim its lost seats.

Ahmad Zahid also urged BN leaders and members to remain loyal to the party and not seek an easy way out by joining other parties when their tenure within BN seems uncertain and stressed that integrity and dignity are vital in BN's struggle.

"Do not think that when your time is almost up, you can look for an escape route or a back door. If one remains loyal to the party, the party will recognise it," he said.

The UMNO president also called on BN leaders and members to avoid using public platforms, including the media and social media, to air grievances or make demands regarding the party or the Unity Government.

"Such issues can be brought directly to me or other leaders for resolution," he said.

Ahmad Zahid highlighted an example of a local issue in Penang, where MCA had raised concerns about the renaming of a Chinese national-type school, SJKC Dr Lim Chong Eu. He assured that he would personally bring the matter to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

"No matter how small the issue is, within the BN component, we will resolve it without creating additional problems. This spirit of resolution reflects the spirit of BN and the Unity Government," he added.

-- BERNAMA