KKB polls: Pakatan helped us, time for Umno, Barisan to return favour, says Zahid

HULU SELANGOR: It’s now time for Umno and Barisan Nasional to repay Pakatan Harapan for the latter’s assistance in previous by-elections since the unity government was formed, says Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that the DAP, PKR and Amanah leadership gave their support to Barisan Nasional in previous by-elections, such as those for the Pelangai state seat and Kemaman parliamentary seat.

“Hence, now is the time for Umno and Barisan to return the favour,” he told reporters outside the nomination centre for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on Saturday (April 27).

He added that the presence of Umno and Barisan leaders at the nomination centre today was to show support for Pakatan’s candidate.

“We hold to the principle that if the seat is previously held by a component party in the unity government, we respect the formula in allowing them to recontest the seat.

“This is unless we can swap seats, among other factors,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid added that Umno and MIC machinery have also been activated for the election, which also includes Orang Asli communities.

When asked about MCA's stance regarding the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, Ahmad Zahid said he respected and understood their decision.

On a resurfaced video of DAP candidate Pang Sock Tao supposedly taking swipes at Barisan, Ahmad Zahid said it was important to move forward and open a new chapter.

“There is a new political reality in front of us and that is the best approach,” he said, adding that certain quarters will continue driving wedges between parties in the unity government.

“They will continue. It’s in their DNA, but we’ll see the results on May 11, where support will be for the unity government, God willing,” Ahmad Zahid said.

The by-election is being held following the demise of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong from DAP on March 21.

Lee, 58, who had been the Kuala Kubu Baharu assemblyman under the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency since 2013, had battled cancer for several years.

The by-election is the seventh to be held after the 15th General Election (GE15) in 2022.

The electoral roll for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election comprises 40,226 registered voters consisting of 39,362 regular voters, 625 police personnel, 238 military personnel and spouses and one absentee voter residing abroad.

Polling day is set for May 11, with early voting scheduled for May 7.