Start preparing for general election, says Zahid

SUNGAI SIPUT: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today advised Barisan Nasional component parties to resolve their internal problems and strengthen the coalition to face the next general election.
He said this was necessary to ensure that the BN will win big in the 14th general election.
"The general election is not far away ... just over two years and five months away.
"So, I want the MBs and BN chairmen in other states and the BN chairmen of parliamentary constituencies, including Sungai Siput, to return often to their respective constituencies to prepare the election machinery.
"Do not be seasonal leaders, returning to the constituencies only during elections," he said when opening the Sungai Siput Umno delegates meeting here.
Also present were Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who is also Perak Umno Liaison Committee chairman, and Sungai Siput Umno Division chief Datuk Zolkafly Harun.
Ahmad Zahid, who is an Umno vice-president, also reminded component parties whose members were not selected as electoral candidates to not be disappointed but mobilise their machinery to ensure victory for the BN.
Previously, the BN picked "winnable candidates" to be fielded but now it had to select "likeable candidates" who could serve the community, he said.
Meanwhile in BANTING, Umno members at the grassroots have been asked to adhere and stay united behind their respective branch or division leaders in order to strengthen the party.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Idris Haron said it was among the formulas that could enable Umno to achieve a bigger victory at the next general election.
"We must have solidarity and unity in Umno and the formula to our success is to adhere to our leader.
"What the leader says, the members must follow ... we don't want a member who spoils or causes a leak that will sink the ship," he told reporters after opening the Sepang Umno delegates' meeting here today .
Idris, who is Malacca Chief Minister, also reminded Umno members to develop a people-friendly attitude to ensure that the party would remain relevant.
Meanwhile, in response to Melaka United's victory in clinching the FAM League title after defeating Perlis 3-2 in the final match at Hang Jebat Stadium in Kerubong on Saturday, Idris said the state government was mulling several incentives for the team.
"But first, I want to ask the team to go on a road tour across the state to meet their fans and supporters," said Idris, who is also Melaka United Football Association president. – Bernama