Zahid says Johor must remain BN stronghold, brushes off Puad’s recycled‑candidates criticism

BATU PAHAT, June 28 — Johor must remain a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold and continue to serve as the coalition’s political fixed deposit in the state election, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president said a BN victory in Johor would mark the beginning of Umno’s and BN’s tangible resurgence, while reaffirming the strength of the party, which is now 80 years old.

“A victory for BN candidates is crucial to realising that aspiration, and it requires a high level of commitment from the entire party machinery,” he said at the launch of BN’s election machinery for the Parit Yaani and Parit Raja state constituencies at Dataran Tanjung Simpang here today.

Ahmad Zahid said the momentum to restore BN’s influence must be driven comprehensively across the state to demonstrate the enduring strength of grassroots support.

Meanwhile, commenting on former Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi’s claim that BN was fielding ‘recycled’ candidates, Ahmad Zahid described it as a personal opinion.

He urged all parties to draw a line under the issue to avoid prolonged disputes that could undermine party unity and harmony.

“As a friend, I hope he will refrain from raising issues that may eventually invite responses from others. I do not want embarrassing matters to be brought up.

“I advise everyone, not only him but also those within Umno, not to launch any counter-attacks if such issues continue to be raised,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid also said that any attempt to obstruct the party’s campaign would not shake the loyalty of Johor voters, whom he described as being deeply rooted in BN’s struggle.

For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, polling for which is on July 11, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor. — Bernama