Sg Bakap polls: Defeat not end of the road for unity govt, says Zahid

MELAKA: The Pakatan Harapan candidate's defeat in the Sungai Bakap by-election does not signify the end for the parties within the unity government, particularly Umno, as they prepare for upcoming elections, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president said parties remain committed to securing victories for the unity government candidates in future by-elections.

"We accept the outcome as the people's decision... this is not the end of by-elections for any candidate from unity government coalition parties," he told reporters after the opening of Kota Melaka Umno division delegates meeting at Telok Mas Community here on Sunday (July 7).

Also present were Melaka Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who is also Melaka Chief Minister, and Kota Melaka Umno chief Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, who is also state tourism, heritage, arts and culture committee chairman.

Perikatan Nasional retained the Sungai Bakap seat after its candidate Abidin Ismail defeated Pakatan candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin, with a 4,267 majority.

The Sungai Bakap by-election was held following the death of its incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, who was also Nibong Tebal PAS chief on May 24.

Meanwhile, in his address, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, reminded Umno members to make changes to win over voters.

"We must remember that politics today is not just about development politics, it's about issues and sentiments that we must champion.

"How many among us are willing to answer and defend our leaders when they are criticised? We only know how to make (certain issues) viral with our friends. In this situation, we must rise and become more aware," he said. – Bernama