Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today advised Barisan Nasional component parties to keep abreast with Umno in Penang to recapture the state in the next general election.

Umno was prepared to share knowledge and assist parties such as Gerakan and MCA as well as cooperate with all BN component parties to win the state, he said when opening the Balik Pulau Umno division delegates meeting.

Ahmad Zahid, who is the deputy prime minister, said it was important for all component parties to step up cooperation to ensure a BN victory.

“The machineries of BN components seem to be dependent on the Umno machinery,” he said, and added that the other BN component parties must emulate the Umno machinery to garner victory.

The other BN component parties should not be arrogant and shy away from Umno’s offer of assistance because the ultimate aim of BN was to recapture Penang from the opposition.

At the event, Ahmad Zahid launched the Balik Pulau Umno Division election machinery. Also present were Deputy Health Minister and Balik Pulau Umno chief Dr Hilmi Yahaya and Penang Umno liaison committee chairperson Zainal Abidin Osman.

Ahmad Zahid said strong and lasting cooperation among the BN leaders as well as the grassroots was vital for electoral victories.

“We (BN) lost in Penang due to lack of cooperation among us, and this has yet to be set right. Friends in BN, rise and run with Umno to recapture Penang,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said he was prepared to assist the BN campaign in Penang and added that he would return in 30 days to hold a four-level meeting of all BN component parties in the state.

He said there was no room for anger and disappointment in politics and that politicians usually became more spirited under pressure.

Ahmad Zahid reminded leaders to discard the habit of being what he called ‘seasonal leaders’ who only went to the ground during party and general elections.

He advised BN component parties to draw the support of the Chinese and Indian constituents by helping them address rural poverty issues.

“It is not impossible for the Chinese and Indians in Penang to feel that the Penang government is not doing enough to meet their expectations,” he said.

- Bernama