Photo: Bernama
SHAH ALAM: Barisan Nasional members must refrain from attacking each other and strengthen unity in the coalition to win the upcoming polls, says the Prime Minister.
This was the request made by Datuk Seri Sabri Ismail Yaacob in his opening speech at the Selangor Barisan convention Sunday (July 31).
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"Enough of shooting at one another as we are not competing with each other but with our political opponents in the general election.
"Don't attack each other but attack them," said Ismail Sabri.
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He added that he was worried about disgruntled coalition members who might act out when they were not selected to contest in the polls.
Ismail Sabri said everyone who worked hard to help Barisan in the polls were capable but unfortunately not all can contest.
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"I can understand if those who cannot contest are angry but please do not sabotage your friends who are contesting.
"They are not contesting in their individual capacities but as Barisan Nasional," said Ismail Sabri.
The Prime Minister reiterated that he hoped this (political sabotage) would not happen in Selangor as it was going to be a big task retaking the state after three terms (under the Opposition).
He also urged all Barisan component parties to carry out studies to gauge the strength of the people's support.
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Ismail Sabri said it could not be deduced that people were in support of Barisan simply because they (the people) attended events and dinners organised by the coalition in full force.
He said many would attend these events and dinners but that did not mean they would give their votes as well.
"That is why we must have a study on the attitude (of voters) to gather facts," added Ismail Sabri.
He also urged Umno members as well as other Barisan component party members to convey to the people what the Barisan government was doing for them.
He reminded Selangor Barisan how the number of seats won by the coalition in the state had decreased steadily every election since 2008 with it (Barisan) only winning four seats in the last general election.
Ismail Sabri also said Barisan must know its own strength as well as its opponent's strength to win the polls.
"If we don't know (their strength) we won't know their strategy and will be defeated again," he said.
