KUALA LUMPUR: Voters in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu should think of their parents’ wellbeing and interest before casting their ballots in the coming state polls, says Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said basic infrastructure there needs a major overhaul, particularly in Kelantan and Kedah, and those living in those states deserve better facilities.
“Don’t let your parents suffer and face hardship just because of that one vote from you,” he said, referring to voting for PAS.
Saying that Islam emphasises cleanliness, the party president said the clean water supply issue in Kelantan has been going on for years with no solution in sight.
“They (PAS) have been the state government for 33 years. They even had a minister looking after water, but the rusty water (supply) is still not clear.
“Perhaps the rusty water is as rusty as their hearts,” he said in his policy speech at the opening of the Umno general assembly here yesterday.
Reiterating his support for the Prime Minister, Ahmad Zahid assured Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the party leadership was behind him.
“You (Anwar) have the support of the supreme council. The delegates will also be election machinery. This is our proof of support for this government,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid also said the coming state polls was a chance for voters to make a change, adding that parties in the unity government aimed to bring down the wall which their opponents had built over the years in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.
“We don’t want these three states to be dragged into divisive politics that segregate the people from the reality of the current political landscape,” he added.
Of the six states facing elections, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan are under Perikatan Nasional, in particular PAS, while Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan are under Pakatan Harapan.
“Despite our relatively new cooperation, these elections will be where we further strengthen our understanding,” said Ahmad Zahid.
Ahmad Zahid reiterated that Umno would continue to uphold the interest of the Malays and protect Islam, stressing that its role on the two issues should not be put to question.
“While we have made some political adjustments and become part of this government, it does not change our stand and struggle when it comes to Malays and Islam.
“We are no political chameleons. Those who want to play up the sentiment that this cooperation has eroded our stand on these issues, I want to state here that Umno will never back down from these struggles,” he said.
