Hopeful for a better future: Ahmad Zahid delivering a speech at the Penang Barisan State Convention at the PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth Arena. — Bernama
BUTTERWORTH: Barisan Nasional aims to reassert itself as a major and dominant contributor in the next general election, says its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Barisan seeks to secure more parliamentary seats in GE16, far surpassing the 30 seats it currently holds, to make a significant impact.“At present, we are cooperating with other parties in the unity government.
“However, this does not mean we will retreat or fade into the background. What is crucial now is to strengthen internal unity, fortify our machinery and connect with the grassroots.
“Insya-Allah, the people yearn for Barisan to regain its dominance, not only in Penang but throughout Malaysia.
“Nevertheless, we must not become overly comfortable with the current support. We must translate this backing into meaningful engagement with the people,” he when opening the Penang Barisan Convention here yesterday, Bernama reported.
He expressed confidence that engaging with grassroots communities is one of the most effective strategies for Barisan to reclaim its lost seats.
Ahmad Zahid also urged Barisan leaders and members to remain loyal to the party.
“Do not think that when your time is almost up, you can look for an escape route or a back door. If one remains loyal to the party, the party will recognise it,” he added.
The Umno president also called on Barisan leaders and members to avoid using public platforms, including the media and social media, to air grievances or make demands regarding the party or the government.
“Such issues can be brought directly to me or other leaders for resolution,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid highlighted an example of a local issue in Penang, where MCA had raised concerns about the renaming of a Chinese national-type school, SJKC Dr Lim Chong Eu.
He said that he would personally bring the matter to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
“No matter how small the issue is, within Barisan, we will resolve it,” he added.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said the resolution from the 2024 Penang Barisan convention to establish an Asean Foundation will be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for further consideration.
He said the foundation has the potential to serve as an entity to address various regional issues such as natural disasters and health matters, including organ transplants.
He added that the foundation would manage matters related to organ transplants, including funding and encouraging Asean member states to donate organs for the collective benefit of the region.
“Not all problems need to be solved through inter-governmental efforts, and this foundation can pool funds through contributions from Asean countries.
“Additionally, the funds could be used for scholarships, enabling citizens across Asean nations to pursue higher education.
“However, this proposal is subject to approval from other member states,” he said.The convention, attended by about 3,000 delegates, unanimously approved the resolution to establish the Asean Foundation.
Malaysia will assume the Asean chairmanship for 2025 from Laos beginning Jan 1.
Previously, Malaysia held the Asean chairmanship four times – in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
