PONTIAN – Party leaders and members in Johor need to set aside any disappointment or "sulking" over not being chosen as candidates in this Johor State Election (PRN Johor).
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said full focus needs to be given to strengthening party machinery to ensure Barisan Nasional (BN) continues to win, thereby keeping Johor as a stronghold for both BN and Umno.
"Especially in certain areas, there are indeed some who feel disheartened over not being chosen as candidates or not being retained, but that is part of fate.
"We all know there has been no interference from any party. I have left it entirely to the Menteri Besar and division leadership to make the decision.
"If anyone is sulking over not being chosen, be patient. Wait for your time. When your fortune comes, it never goes to the wrong address. I am confident that opportunity will come at some point," he said.
He said this when speaking at the Gelombang Biru launch ceremony for DUN Benut at Kampung Parit Ismail, Benut, here, on Saturday.
Also present were Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and BN's candidate for DUN Benut, Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan.
The deputy prime minister also reminded that Umno strength lies in the principle of loyalty among all its members and leaders.
"The most important requirement in Umno is loyalty. That is why in Johor, we will continue to work hard and reach out to everyone.
"We will approach all voters throughout the state of Johor.
"To me, Johor is a very fortunate state, as it is among the front-runners in terms of foreign investment, domestic investment, as well as state revenue collection," he added.