[UPDATED] 'Green has accepted blue': Zahid says BN must embrace new allies

AYER KEROH: Barisan Nasional machinery and supporters must embrace the coalition's new political partners and help their candidates win in the Melaka election.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said reciprocal support between BN and its strategic partners could pave the way for them to capture Putrajaya.

"Previously, we were allergic to seeing green.

"They were also allergic to seeing blue. From tonight, do not be allergic any more. Green has accepted blue. Blue must accept green," he said at the launch of BN's election machinery at the Melaka International Trade Centre tonight.

Zahid said BN's machinery and voters must support its partners wherever they contested, just as their supporters would back BN candidates.

BN will cooperate with Perikatan Nasional in the state election, with BN contesting 21 seats and seven allocated to PN. Zahid reiterated earlier today that BN would retain the agreed seat allocation.

In the 2021 state election, BN won 21 of Melaka's 28 seats, while Pakatan Harapan secured five and PN won two.

However, Zahid said the arrangement would not compromise the coalition's principles or the identities of its component parties.

"Umno will never compromise the principles we have built together," he said, adding that MCA, MIC, PBRS, PPP and Friends of BN would remain important pillars of the coalition.

Zahid also cautioned against assuming that combining the partners' support would automatically deliver victory.

"Do not become complacent, thinking that by adding A and B, we can win comfortably. That does not guarantee victory."

On party discipline, he said BN's past defeats had stemmed from its own weaknesses rather than its opponents' strength, warning that internal divisions would give its rivals an advantage.

He urged those not selected as candidates to remain committed to securing victory for the coalition.

"Those selected as candidates must not become arrogant. Do not look after only your own group. Do not form your own teams or machinery that divide the party machinery," he added.