Zahid: Results show maturity of Malay voters

BAGAN DATUK: The outcome of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election shows that Malay voters are mature in making their choice, says Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said there had been an increase in Malay votes for the unity government candidate.

“The voters have matured and this is a positive development. Despite being plagued by sentiments, they accepted the fact that the unity government is far better for political stability in the country,” he told reporters after launching the Bagan Datuk Umno division meeting yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman and Deputy Prime Minister, said Umno was becoming stronger despite criticisms by some quarters during its early involvement in the unity government.

He said the party’s membership was increasing each month, with none of its over 21,000 branches dissolved so far.

“In terms of membership, it continues to grow even though we have conducted ‘cleansing’. For example, in Sabah, I have been informed that there are between 2,500 and 5,000 applications (to join Umno) each month.

“Not a single one of the branches has been dissolved. In fact, every branch has an increase in members,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid said as a party that has existed for 78 years, Umno is poised to reclaim its primary position by targeting an increase in its parliamentary seats from the current 26.

“Since the general election will take place three-and-a-half years from now, let us organise the party machinery and strengthen unity at all levels so that Umno’s strength can be rebuilt,” he added.