SEREMBAN: Not wanting to be overconfident, Barisan Nasional prefers to maintain its underdog status heading into the Negri Sembilan polls on Saturday, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman said as the coalition will be up against the incumbent state government, “the advantage naturally goes to them”.
However, Barisan is confident it will be able to offer voters something different from what they received from the previous government, Ahmad Zahid said.
“With only three days to go to polling, I have asked our election machinery to continue engaging with all voters and that they remain focused in carrying out their duties,” he told reporters after opening the Risda central zone Smallholders Convention.
Ahmad Zahid said the underdog tag is also important so that Barisan will not overlook any target groups no matter how small they may be.
“We feel that holding onto the underdog status is crucial to remind leaders and machinery to not do anything outside the norm or make statements that are unacceptable to the voters.”
On a prediction that Barisan and Perikatan Nasional are likely to win up to 25 seats, Ahmad Zahid said the coalition will not be distracted by it.
“We will continue to work with humility. Our appeal to the voters is to give us an opportunity to transform Negri Sembilan into one of the leading states in terms of economic growth, job opportunities, and attracting both foreign and domestic investments for the advancement of the people.”
Ahmad Zahid said Barisan also wants to fulfil pledges in its manifesto, which include creating 50,000 new jobs in five years.
On his part, he will assist by providing Technical and Vocational Education and Training so that the workers will receive premium salaries.
“At the federal level, all eight Barisan ministers will also assist Negri Sembilan.”
Asked about its mentri besar candidate, Ahmad Zahid reiterated that Barisan will be able to choose from a list of 10 assemblymen.
“We will name our best candidate when we cross the bridge.”
On early voting, Ahmad Zahid hoped the strong momentum in early voter turnout, which hit 91%, will continue on polling day.
He said the high turnout reflected healthy democratic participation and expressed hope that more voters will fulfil their responsibility on Saturday.
For the latest updates on Negri Sembilan state election,visit https://elections.thestar.com.my/
