Defeat in Sg Bakap not end of road for Madani pact, Zahid assures

Pakatan Harapan’s defeat in yesterday's Sungai Bakap by-election does not signify the end for the coalition parties within the government, particularly Umno, as they prepare for upcoming elections.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the parties remain committed to securing victories for the coalition government candidates in future by-elections.

“We accept the outcome as the people's decision... this is not the end of by-elections for any candidate within the unity government coalition parties," he told reporters after the opening of Kota Melaka Umno division delegates meeting at Telok Mas Community in Malacca today.

Also present were Malacca Umno Liaison Committee chairperson Ab Rauf Yusoh and Kota Melaka division chief Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman.

Perikatan Nasional maintained the status quo in Sungai Bakap after its candidate Abidin Ismail defeated Joohari Ariffin with 4,267 majority votes.

The state by-election in Penang was held following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff, who was also Nibong Tebal PAS division chief, on May 24.

Adjustment needed

In his address, Zahid reminded Umno members to make changes to win over voters.

“We must remember that politics today is not just about development politics, but about issues and sentiments that we must champion.

“How many among us are willing to answer and defend our leaders when they are criticised? We only know how to make (certain issues) viral with our friends.

“In this situation, we must rise and become more aware," he said.

- Bernama

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