Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today advised Barisan Nasional component parties to resolve their internal problems and strengthen the coalition to face the next general election.

He said this was necessary to ensure that the BN won big in the 14th general election.

"The general election is not far away, just over two years and five months away.

"So, I want the MBs (menteris besar) and BN chairpersons in other states and the BN chairpersons of parliamentary constituencies, including Sungai Siput, to return often to their respective constituencies to prepare the election machinery.

"Do not be seasonal leaders, returning to the constituencies only during elections," he said when opening the Sungai Siput Umno delegates meeting here.

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir, who is also Perak Umno Liaison Committee chairperson and Sungai Siput Umno Division chief Zolkafly Harun.

Ahmad Zahid, who is an Umno vice-president, also reminded component parties whose members were not selected as electoral candidates to not be disappointed but mobilise their machinery to ensure victory for the BN.

Previously, the BN picked 'winnable candidates' to be fielded but now it had to select 'likeable candidates' who could serve the community, he said.

- Bernama