TAPAH: Ayer Kuning should not be turned into a place to “vent frustrations”, including the recent tariff imposed by the United States, as well as other local incidents, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said such issues and matters should not be politicised, and rather emphasised the need for a united front.
“Let’s not turn Ayer Kuning into a place to vent frustrations. This by-election is about the future of our people, and about supporting a government that works for all regardless of religion, race, political background or party affiliation,” he said.
He said this in his speech before Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced the candidate from Barisan Nasional for the Ayer Kuning state by-election near here on Monday (April 7).
Ahmad Zahid said that with the United States imposing a 24% tariff on Malaysia, for the sake of the country’s interest, everyone must unite to face and respond to the challenges imposed by the US administration on Malaysia, on Asean and on other nations.
He said these were issues affecting all Malaysians, regardless of political party, religion, background or ethnicity.
“We must stand together in support of the mission of the Prime Minister, and to ensure all Malaysians, political parties, NGOs, and all political leaders come together with one mindset to defend our country against the tariffs imposed by the United States,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said he was thankful to the Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is one of the champions defending Malaysia’s interests — and to other ministers as well.
“Not forgetting Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who will continue selling palm oil to the United States despite the 24% tariffs.
“Similarly, issues like the fire in Putra Heights — don’t politicise it. Don’t politicise other issues either, including the 'abang belon' incident,” he added.
On the by-election, the Umno president said a sense of unity was more important.
“It is in this spirit that I am confident in the presence and combination of machinery from both Barisan and Pakatan Harapan will give us an upper hand.
“Because under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Madani government aims to engage and care for all segments of society.
“Therefore, we want to see that in the Ayer Kuning by-election, and for that, the people of Ayer Kuning must unite.
“The voters of Ayer Kuning must show that under the leadership of the Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad as the Mentri Besar of Perak, representing Barisan and the unity government, victory is possible.
“By helping him, especially by winning the Ayer Kuning seat, we are showing our support and backing because he is a grassroots leader who is close to the people,” he added.
He said the Prime Minister strongly hoped that the victory in Nenggiri and the major win in the Mahkota state constituency could serve as an example for achieving victory in Ayer Kuning as well.
"The main factor behind the victory is the strong cooperation between the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan machinery.
"A victory for Barisan Nasional means a victory for the unity government, as Barisan is part of the unity government," he said.
