Barisan returning favour by backing Pakatan this round

Barisan returning favour by backing Pakatan this round

HULU SELANGOR: After receiving support from Pakatan Harapan component parties in recent by-elections, it is now time for Barisan Nasional to return the favour in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that Pakatan parties – PKR, DAP and Amanah – had campaigned for Barisan in the Pelangai and Kemaman by-elections.

“So it is now time for Umno and Barisan to return the favour,” the Deputy Prime Minister told reporters outside the nomination centre for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid said that the presence of Umno and Barisan leaders at the centre was to show support for Pakatan, which is fielding Pang Sock Tao.

“We hold to the principles that if the seat is previously held by a component party in the unity government, we respect the formula allowing them to re-contest the seat,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid added that Umno and MIC have activated their campaign machinery for the by-election.

He also dismissed an old video of Pang, which has been making the rounds on social media, which showed the Pakatan candidate criticising Barisan during the 15th General Election in November 2022, before the two coalitions formed the unity government.

“There is a new political reality in front of us and that is the best approach,” Ahmad Zahid said, adding that there will always be continued attempts to sow divisions within the unity government alliance.

Pakatan will be taking on Perikatan Nasional, Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) and an Independent candidate in the May 11 polls.

Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the coalition decided to field a Malay candidate based on feedback from voters.

Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, pointed out how 47% of the electorate comprised Malays while Chinese, Indian and Orang Asli voters made up 30%, 18% and 5% respectively.

In the state elections last August, Perikatan fielded a Chinese candidate while this time, it decided to go with Khairul Azhari Saut, who is Hulu Selangor Bersatu acting division chief.

Bersatu’s Selangor chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali stressed that although Khairul Azhari is Malay, he is a candidate for all Malaysians.

“We are an inclusive party that will serve all. There are several local issues, and our candidate will give his best service. We also want to increase the number of Opposition representatives in the Selangor state assembly as we can provide a better check and balance, which ultimately benefits the people,” he said.

“We are confident that with current sentiments and support from the people, we can make a breakthrough,” he said.