S'WAK POLLS Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wants Sarawak BN component parties to set aside any differences among themselves and close ranks as campaigning for the 11th state election ends at midnight.

Saying that each leader has his or her respective supporters, the deputy prime minister acknowledged that such differences could cause a division in loyalty.

To this end, he appreciates that Sylvester Entri Muran had set aside any perceived resentment towards BN direct candidate Dr Penguang Manggil who is contesting in the Marudi constituency which he (Sylvester) had held since 2011.

"He has also asked his supporters to back the candidate (Penguang) as a BN candidate. So if he has already pledged his full support, his supporters cannot say anything.

"Don't make posters that are improper because we are all under one umbrella," he said at a gathering with the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) in Marudi today.

At the event, Sylvester and Penguang shook hands and embraced each other on the stage to thunderous applause from the more than 3,000 people present.

"Tomorrow is the most important day for us. We want to reclaim our dignity. We want to help ensure that Tok Nan (Adenan Satem) becomes chief minister again.

"We want Tok Nan's government to be strong," said Ahmad Zahid who is also Home Minister.

The Marudi seat will see Penguang taking on PKR's Elia Bit and independent Louis Jalong.

In 2011, Sylvester won with a comfortable 3,202-vote majority in a four-cornered fight against PKR, Snap, and an independent.

- Bernama