SANDAKAN: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has given full backing to Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin to lead Sabah Barisan Nasional in the upcoming state polls.
The Barisan chairman said he supports Bung Moktar's leadership as he commands respect from the grassroots as Sabah Barisan and Umno chief.
"We want trivial matters to be resolved. The first thing we want is for the leadership of Barisan component parties and Umno to put their differences behind them," he said at the Sabah Barisan convention here on Sunday (July 21).
Ahmad Zahid said it was important to give full support to whoever leads Sabah Barisan and Umno to ensure victory at the polls.
"I wish to thank Bung Moktar for his continuous efforts to keep the party in Sabah," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said that he noticed that the grassroots had always backed Sabah Barisan and Umno under Bung Moktar's leadership.
The Barisan chairman said that unity is vital for component parties and friends of the coalition ahead of the 17th Sabah Election, which is due by next October.
"If we are destined to be dominant once more, we will always invite our friends to govern Sabah together," he said.
He said that the Sabah Barisan machinery needs to work together so the party will be prepared for elections if called suddenly.
He also said campaign workers must change their methods to reach voters.
"You must make use of the latest technology to reach and win the hearts and minds of the people," he said.
Zahid said Sabahans are not afraid to change the government if it is not performing to their expectations.
"I am not referring to any specific political figure or party. This is a Barisan event so I must motivate the state Barisan machinery to get moving," he said.
