Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi clarifies that calls to delay Melaka and Johor elections are personal views, not the coalition’s official stance.
KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO and Barisan Nasional have never taken a position to postpone the Melaka and Johor state elections.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated the suggestion is merely a personal opinion that does not represent the party.
“That is not UMNO’s stance. That is not BN’s stance,” he said during his keynote address at the 10th Better Nation Forum. Zahid warned that any decision to delay would only give political opponents ammunition.
He was responding to a proposal from UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. Maslan had suggested postponing the polls until economic conditions stabilise following the West Asian geopolitical crisis.
The UMNO president said the coalition is always ready to face state elections at any time. He emphasised that UMNO, as BN’s backbone, remains prepared.
Separately, Zahid revealed the Rumah Bangsa initiative has boosted UMNO’s support significantly. The party received 10,000 new online membership applications within just 48 hours.
This success has prompted a proposal to establish a direct membership mechanism at the BN level. Zahid said BN secretary general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has agreed to the plan.
“We will propose to the BN Supreme Council that the clause in the constitution regarding direct membership applications be implemented,” he added. The move aims to attract professionals and NGO leaders eager to join the coalition.
