UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has appealed for unity within the party ahead of the Johor state election, urging members overlooked for candidacy to suppress any resentment and instead focus on securing another Barisan Nasional (BN) victory.
The Deputy Prime Minister said isolated cases of dissatisfaction had emerged following the announcement of candidates but stressed that such feelings should not undermine the party's election machinery or campaign efforts.
"There are still reports from several areas that some are disappointed because they were not selected as candidates or were not retained, but that is all part of one's fate.
"We all know that there was no interference from any party. I entrusted the decision entirely to the Menteri Besar and the divisional leadership to determine the candidates," he said.
Zahid was speaking to reporters after launching the BN campaign for the Benut state constituency at Jalan Parit Ismail on Saturday.
He urged those disappointed by the selection process to remain patient, expressing confidence that future opportunities would eventually come.
"If anyone is disappointed because they were not chosen, I hope they will remain patient. Perhaps their opportunity will come in the future.
"Wait for the right time. When your fortune arrives, it never goes to the wrong address. I am confident that the opportunity will come eventually," he said.
Zahid also reminded UMNO members that the party's greatest strength has always been rooted in the loyalty and unity of its leaders and grassroots, saying those principles would be crucial as BN seeks to retain Johor as a traditional stronghold of both the coalition and UMNO. - June 28, 2026
