SEREMBAN: Members of Barisan Nasional component parties should discuss matters internally if they are not happy about any issue, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"The MCA and MIC have remained our most loyal friends and if any of us has a differing view, we can always discuss this internally rather than make public statements.
"In Barisan, teamwork is of utmost importance if we wish to be dominant again," the coalition chairman said at the opening of the Negri Sembilan Barisan convention here on Sunday (Dec 22).
Using a football team as an example, he said every player has a role to play if the team is to emerge victorious.
"In a football team... the most important thing is that we cannot score an own goal.
"This happened in GE15 and we all saw the outcome," he said, relating to Barisan's worst-ever showing where the coalition only won 30 parliamentary seats.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, also said Barisan can only regain its dominance if it continues to be part of the unity government.
"Our political rivals from the Opposition are always seeking ways to undo this cooperation.
"I must also commend Barisan ministers who have been performing well and we need to continue this for the peoples' benefit," he said.
Ahmad Zahid also reminded all Umno ministers, leaders and members to remain loyal.
"Party loyalty is extremely important. Do not make any attempt to betray your party and jump ship as we need political stability to continue to effectively serve the people and to come back stronger," he added.
Also present was MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and leaders of Friends of Barisan, which among others include the Indian Progressive Front, Makkal Sakti, Parti Punjabi Malaysia and Kimma (Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress).
Ahmad Zahid also said young voters would play a crucial role in the next general election as they make up more than half of the electorate.
"If we do not understand their wants and needs, we could suffer the same fate we did before.
"I hope all of you will continue efforts to engage and win them over as we move forward and regain our dominance," he said.
