Mahkota polls: Umno members must close ranks and support Syed Hussien, says Tok Mat

KLUANG: Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has called on members to close ranks and support Barisan Nasional candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah in the Mahkota by-election.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring Barisan defends Mahkota, which they won during the Johor state election two years ago.

"The one contesting is Barisan through Syed Hussien. If he wins, our party wins, but if he loses, then our party loses as well," he said.

The Foreign Minister addressed the party's machinery at the Kampung Melayu district voting centre (PDM) on Saturday (Sept 14).

Mohamad added that Syed Hussien's candidacy was agreed upon by Umno's top leadership, who chose the 40-year-old to represent Barisan in the by-election.

"No matter whether it is a general election, state election, or by-election, what is important is that our party is contesting, and we must ensure our candidates win.

"We should set aside any emotions and focus on making sure Barisan’s candidate wins the Mahkota seat," he said.

Mohamad noted that it was crucial for Barisan to defend the state seat to continue the plans laid out by the late Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain.

He urged Barisan's machinery to replicate its victory in the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan last month in the Mahkota by-election.

"Voters, especially fence-sitters, should not take a risk. It will be difficult to bring development if their elected representative is not aligned with the government," he said.