REMBAU: Some virus, initially believed to be influenza, knocked him out of action for three days, but Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is now back hitting the ground.
Met on his campaign rounds here yesterday, the deputy Umno president said a full blood test confirmed he was not infected with virus.
“It was a bad flu but I am able to resume my campaign in Rantau,” he said.
Mohamad, who is also the Defence Minister, said Pakatan Harapan had offered Barisan Nasional a place in the state government before its dissolution.
“It was too short of a time to make changes to the state government then. We decided to just wait for this election to run its course.
“However, we were invited by Negri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan to join them and we were offered two exco seats,” he said when met by reporters at a ceramah in Kuala Sawah.
On the coalition pact’s chances of winning all six states, he said they were practising a “regain and retain” strategy.
“Every election is different. Who is to say that we won’t get penalty kicks at the end of the match in Kedah and Terengganu?” he said.
In his speech earlier, he reiterated that the Federal Government would not be affected by the results of the state elections.
“I am certain that this government will complete its term. Parliament members cannot jump anymore.
“In the past, there would be opposition parties that would ‘buy’ them, and they would jump. But now, there is the anti-hopping law,” he said.
He said those who jumped from Barisan would also have to pay a fine.
“Recently, the High Court determined that Zuraida had to pay RM10mil to PKR. And for Barisan Nasional, the penalties are even heavier,” he said, referring to Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Mohamad will be defending his Rantau seat against Perikatan Nasional’s Rozmal Malakan from PAS in a straight fight.
