PETALING JAYA: Leaders' responsibility is to ensure stability and peace among the public instead of creating hatred, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
Therefore, the Umno president said Malaysians should not entertain the antagonistic values espoused by the Opposition parties during election seasons.
“They plant hatred among the rakyat and spread antagonism. We want this (Pelangai) by-election to be an affair that is resolved by its own people.
“We want Pahang to be peaceful, Bentong to be stable, and Pelangai to be represented by the best person.
“Put aside the politicking that has been played up as an issue to spark a different kind of spirit among the rakyat.
“Then they also make promises that no one can fulfil, as if they are the keepers of the keys to the gates of heaven,” the Deputy Prime Minister said in his speech during the MyFuture Jobs Career Carnival at Felda Chemomoi, Bentong, which was also aired live on his Facebook page on Saturday (Sept 30).
Zahid also said Umno could not continue its friendship with PAS under the Muafakat Nasional banner due to the Islamist party’s disloyalty.
He also claims that PAS is a party that prefers temporary arrangements for short-term political goals, adding that it is different from what Umno is looking for in a relationship.
Due to that, Zahid said he was confident that Pelangai voters would continue to choose Barisan Nasional in the state constituency despite attempts by its detractors to “poison” the minds of the locals.
To ensure a huge victory, Zahid, who is Barisan chairman, urged the party machinery to maintain its momentum in winning the hearts and minds of voters.
“God willing, we will defend Pelangai because we are confident that the voters are close to Barisan.
“They want effective service from an assemblyman who is synchronised with both the state and federal governments,” he said during a press conference after his speech.
The Pelangai by-election is set to see a three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam, Pas’ Kasim Samat from Perikatan and Independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli.
Polling day is set for Oct 7.
The by-election is being held following the death of Umno assemblyman and Pahang exco member Datuk Seri Johari Harun in the plane crash in Shah Alam on Aug 17.
In GE15, Johari won with a majority of 4,048 votes, defeating Kasim, Pakatan Harapan’s Ahmed Wafiuddin Shamsuri and Isa Ahmad of Pejuang.
