Umno leaders, grassroots support PN? We will see, Zambry tells PN

PUTRAJAYA - Barisan Nasional (BN) Secretary-General Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir has urged all parties to wait for the results of the upcoming state elections following claims from the opposition that several Umno leaders are expected to switch their support to Perikatan Nasional (PN).

He said that is Negeri Sembilan PN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu's personal views.

"In the matter of support, we'll see later in the state elections," he said.

"Certainly, we (Umno) have confidence in the work and contribution we have given in an effort to maintain the momentum of growth in the country," he said in a press conference, here, today.

He said this after the Consultative Council on Foreign Policy (CCFP) Meeting which was also attended by academic experts and representatives of Malaysian embassies around the world.

Earlier today, the media reported that Ahmad Faizal had claimed that Umno grassroots leaders and members had expressed support for PN to win in Aug 12 state polls when they met in a series of statewide tours in Negeri Sembilan.

"The Umno leaders and members I met asked me to find a way to ensure that PN wins in these six states," he said.

"I was surprised, and they asked the PN machinery to work hard to win the six states.

"Everyone showed support. I met Umno branch leaders, Umno branch women leaders, Umno youth leaders; they are helping us to campaign," he was quoted as saying by media reports.

Commenting further, Zambry said Umno also has its own views and is confident in the party's efforts to stabilise the country and continue serving the people.

The Umno Supreme Council member added that under the administration of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister has has urged all political parties in the Unity Government to prioritise efforts to rebuild the country.

"Of course, as a politician, he (Ahmad Faizal) said he has the support. That's his view.

"But we have our views, and we are confident in what we convey in an effort to ensure the country is stable, continue working to provide services to the people, keep the country in stability and bring investments into our country," he said again.

Previously, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin, the Umno Langkawi Division leader and son of Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said the public and grassroots support for his father was substantial and potentially even greater than the support for the Umno party itself.

In that situation, he anticipated that a portion of the former prime minister's supporters might abstain from voting or choose to vote for the opposition in the state polls on August 12. - AWANI