Zahid: PM to meet MCA, MIC on KKB by-election

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Ibrahim will meet with MCA and MIC leaders over their decision not to join the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Barisan Nasional chairman said he has met with the leadership of the component parties after both decided to stay out of campaigning in the by-election if Barisan’s candidate is not fielded.

“I have held a meeting with them, and the Prime Minister will also hold another meeting,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters after launching the Umno divisions group meeting and Hulu Selangor Umno’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at MRSM Ampang Pecah in Kuala Kubu Baru.

When asked further about MCA’s stand, Ahmad Zahid hoped it was temporary.

“I have met Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and I completely understand the situation he was in when he made the statement. I will try to find the best way possible (for the campaigning),” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno president, clarified that it is the party’s principle to respect its “friends” from the unity government that won the seat previously.

As such, the decision is that Umno will support any candidate fielded by the unity government, he said.

“In this case, there are no problems and as for the statements issued, I think it is the position of each party.

“But I hope this matter can be resolved to clear the existing animosity.

“I think we should be in a state of political harmony, thus we must resolve these matters whether at the state or central level.

“This will make it easier for the Prime Minister as chairman of the unity government to find a common ground,” he said, adding that any existing differences will be resolved in the best possible way.

On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said Umno supreme council member Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who resigned as Selangor Umno treasurer, has been informed of his new task.

On Tengku Zafrul’s criticism of Selangor Umno, Ahmad Zahid said this matter has also been resolved after meeting with both Tengku Zafrul and Selangor Umno chief Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin.