BN to use Sarawak BN election campaign template: Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: The template of the election campaign that resulted in a major victory for the Barisan Nasional in the Sarawak state election in 2016 is to be used as part of the BN operational structure for the 14th General Election, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Sarawak BN under the leadership of the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem won 72 of the 82 seats contested in that 11th state election, he said.
"This is not a matter of being boastful, but if we work hard and wisely it is not impossible to achieve a major victory," he said at a tea reception for visiting representatives of the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) at his office at Bangunan Perdana Putra here today.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, hosted the tea reception for the 15 journalists from the KDJA.
Putrajaya bureau chiefs of several media organisations also attended the gathering.
Ahmad Zahid said that while the "other side" (opposition) underestimated the BN capability of securing a two-thirds majority after having failed in the 12th and 13th general election, BN component parties were striving hard and learning from the success in Sarawak.
"In this regard, I will assist Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in making use of the template as part of the strategy for the (14th ) general election," he said.
Ahmad Zahid also conveyed to the "other side" that "the silent majority is with the current government".
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said the dissemination of fake news during the election must be addressed.
"Decision is made based on news appearing in all media, which will give a different effect and perception to voters who are going make their decision.
"We are facing a challenge where 82% of the non-traditional media are against the conventional media whereby they (the non-conventional media) are promoting fake news or analyses based on perception," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the spread of fake news was particularly critical when it was used at the last minute to discredit the government.
"What they will try to do is attempt to deny any of the development, allocation and transformation that the government has brought about. They will like to deny all that.
"Therefore, we have not only to defend and create a good impression and positive thinking, but we also need to shift the thinking of the stakeholders (voters). They should decide based on reality, not fake news," he said. — Bernama