BN component parties and Umno must unite to regain power in Penang: Ahmad Zahid

BALIK PULAU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has told non-Umno component parties in Barisan Nasional (BN) to get over their defeats in the last two General Elections.
The Umno deputy president there was no such thing as "kecil hati" (despirited) in politics.
"The more a politician is pressured, the stronger he will respond," he said when opening the Umno Balik Pulau division delegates conference here.
Ahmad Zahid called upon the state BN and Umno to stand united to face the 14th General Elections.
He said the united spirit forged by BN Penang Chief Ministers Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon was absent now, adding that the component parties in BN lacked machinery as compared to Umno.
He urged the parties to follow the "rentak" (rhythm) set by Umno and to set aside their differences with the aim to return BN to power in Penang.
Ahmad Zahid added that he will be meeting the Penang BN leadership within the next 30 days.
"I will go down to the ground," he said, adding that strengthening cooperation was vital for political continuity.
Ahmad Zahid also pushed for Penang BN to address urban poverty issues in the state.
He said the problem was not confined to the Malays only but was also experienced by other ethnic groups.
"Urban poverty needs to be addressed," he said and pointed out that Penang Umno chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman was there to assist such efforts as Penang Federal Action Council chairman.
As part of such efforts, Ahmad Zahid told leaders to hit the ground running and not only make visits during election seasons.
"Do not only help your relatives, or only your friends or only your supporters," he said to cheers from delegates.
Ahamd Zahid also provisionally approved four projects in the constituency at RM11.4 million, requested by Health Deputy Minister and division chair Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.
The projects are flood mitigation measures in Teluk Bahang and Teluk Kumbar, a mosque in Pondok Upeh and a community centre.
"The condition is that Balik Pulau and the three state seats here need to remain with BN," he said, but was quick to add that approval will come even if victory was only foreshadowed.