BATU PAHAT: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged party leaders to refrain from making retaliatory exchanges with former Johor state speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
He said the first two days of campaigning in the Johor state election had proceeded smoothly, with contesting parties focusing on promoting their respective candidates instead of raising sensitive issues or launching personal attacks.
“So far, the campaign has been good. There have been no personal attacks and no sensitive issues raised. If this approach continues, there will be no confusion among voters, who can make their choices peacefully,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan chairman, said this in a press conference after launching the coalition’s election machinery at Sri Gading here on Sunday (June 28).
Commenting on recent remarks by the former Umno supreme council member, who criticised the quality of candidates contesting in the election, Ahmad Zahid described the statement as the latter's personal view and called on him to let the matter rest.
“He is our friend, and differences in opinion are normal. But I hope we can put a full stop to this issue because if one side continues to raise it, the other side will respond, and that cycle of attacks will not benefit anyone,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said he did not want matters that could embarrass individuals to be brought into the campaign, adding that as Muslims, leaders should avoid exposing each other’s shortcomings.
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