KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional is currently facing a big challenge, as it had been rejected by many Malaysians, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Deputy Prime Minister said Barisan’s dismal showing in the general election last year and the recent state polls can be addressed by vigorous efforts to woo voters.
“The Malays rejected us, the Chinese rejected us, and the Indians also rejected us. This is the new national political landscape and it is unhealthy,” he added.
“We must be supported by all races in Malaysia once again,” said Ahmad Zahid after officiating an event at MIC headquarters here on Monday (Aug 21).
The Barisan chairman said that while Barisan's political fortunes were not at their best for now, there was a “life cycle” for all political parties.
“The political pendulum doesn't always (stay at) the bottom. If we continue strengthening our efforts, I’m confident that Barisan will rise above these challenges," he said.
At a press conference later, the Umno president said differences of opinion were normal in Barisan, given its composition of different parties.
“(More important) is the understanding between parties and as older siblings in this coalition, we tolerate these differences.
“When the time comes, we need each other... Together, we strengthen the coalition of these four parties, along with the Friends of Barisan,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid that the Barisan and Pakatan Harapan pact had mixed fortunes in the recent state elections but it was working towards reshaping public confidence in the government.
To restore confidence towards Barisan in particular, Ahmad Zahid stressed that it was crucial for all its component parties and friendly allies under Friends of BN to support one another.
“This (Barisan and Pakatan pact) is a (new) beginning in its initial nine months (after GE15) to reshape public confidence.
“Therefore, we should not have any agenda to leave each other out in Barisan. We must support each other,” the Barisan chairman and Umno president said after officiating an event at MIC headquarters here on Monday (Aug 21).
In GE15 on Nov 19, Barisan only managed to win 30 seats.
In the six state polls on Aug 12, Umno won just 19 seats out of 108 contested: one in Kelantan, two in Penang, two in Selangor and 14 in Negri Sembilan.
