KUALA LUMPUR: Voters in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu should think of their parents’ wellbeing before casting their ballots in the coming state polls, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said the current administration in the respective states have failed to ensure basic development despite being in power over the past few decades.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, cited the perennial issue of “rusty water” in Kelantan as an example.
“They (PAS) have administered the state for 33 years and their leader was even the environment minister.
“He failed to clean up the rusty water. The rusty water is akin to their rusty hearts,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He said it was time for voters who live outside Kelantan, Kedah and Terengganu to think about the wellbeing of their parents living in those states.
“Don’t let your parents suffer and face hardship just because of that one vote from you,” said Ahmad Zahid in his policy speech during the Umno General Assembly on Friday (June 9).
Ahmad Zahid said the coming state polls are a chance for voters in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu to make the change.
“Let us ensure that the unity government is formed in the three states. God-willing, this will bring change and prosperity to the lives of locals there,” he added.
In the upcoming state polls, Ummo has a big responsibility in the “Malay belt” states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
“It is our duty to bring Malays in these states to be part of the unity government that reflects Malaysia.
“We don’t want these three states to be dragged into divisive politics that segregate locals from the reality of the current political landscape,” said Ahmad Zahid.
At the same time, Umno is also committed to helping the unity government to defend Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan, he added.
Ahmad Zahid also said the unity government will strengthen the moderate and progressive Malay Islam agenda.
“If we really want to see Islam and Malays prosper, being in the unity government will strengthen a moderate and progressive Malay-Islam agenda,” added Ahmad Zahid.
The six states are expected to go to the polls in the coming weeks.
The Negri Sembilan state assembly will dissolve on June 30 while Penang will dissolve on June 28.
– The Star