DPM: Disunity to blame for BN's decline last GE

Bernama

KLUANG: Disunity among Barisan Nasional component parties was the reason why support declined in the last general election despite a relatively weak Opposition, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid (pic) Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister urged all component parties to remain united to ensure Barisan would remain in power during the next polls.

Zahid said they should put away all differences and start strengthening strategies to win back support from voters.

He recalled that when Umno was facing an internal crisis back in the late 80s, MCA and MIC remained committed and supported Umno during the election.

"When they (MCA and MIC), faced their internal problems, we in Umno were the ones behind them," he said in his speech at the Sembrong Umno divisional meeting in Taman Sri Lambak here on Saturday.

Also present was Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, who is also Sembrong Umno division chief.

Zahid warned that if Umno and Barisan did not heed the advice, Barisan must be prepared to lose in the election.

He said if this happened, Umno and Barisan would become history and the subject of researchers as the longest-ruling party in Malaysia.

Zahid also voiced his concerns over Johor, which used to be a bastion of Barisan support, but the Opposition had managed to increase its seats from eight in 2008 election to 18 in 2013.