BN-PN must stay united beyond Melaka polls, says Permatang Pauh MP

JASIN: Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional must set aside their differences and dissatisfaction among supporters to strengthen their cooperation and protect their chances of winning the Melaka election.

Penang PN deputy information chief Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan said the machinery of both coalitions must prioritise unity over the interests of their respective parties.

He said boycotting or refusing to assist candidates from the other coalition would only undermine the cooperation they had worked to build.

"If we are united, we can win Melaka and become stronger here. But if we are divided among ourselves, whether through boycotts, refusing to cooperate, not doing our part or simply not wanting to get involved, it will weaken us.

"To put it simply, if we continue fighting among ourselves, we risk losing. We do not want our efforts to end with the Melaka election, as there will be many more elections ahead.

"Even in the general election, if we continue to harbour such feelings, we risk fighting among ourselves," he said at the Pentas Gelombang Biru ceramah at the BN operations room for the Merlimau state constituency here yesterday.

Also present was Penang Umno Youth chief Mohd Hilmi Elias.

Fawwaz, who is also Permatang Pauh member of Parliament, said differences of opinion and dissatisfaction with candidates from other parties were normal, but should be put aside in pursuit of a bigger goal.

He said both coalitions needed to strengthen their cooperation not only for the Melaka election but also in preparation for future polls, including the general election.

Meanwhile, he cautioned BN and PN campaign machinery against becoming complacent or taking their chances of victory for granted.

He said while confidence was important, excessive confidence could cause party machinery to lose focus and fail to give their full commitment during the remaining campaign period.

"Confidence is necessary, but we must be careful not to become overconfident. We are now facing a situation in which nearly 20 per cent of voters are young people who do not necessarily look at political parties.

"We may think we can reach out to young voters, but being overconfident could lead to the very outcome we do not want, which is defeat," he said.

Commenting on BN candidate for the Merlimau state seat Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, Fawwaz described him as a leader active on social media who had also served the people in the constituency.

"He is among the leaders who are active on social media, alongside the former Duyong assemblyman.

"I believe he has served the people of Merlimau well, and I think they know how to distinguish between what is valuable and what is not," he said.