KOTA TINGGI – The question as to who has helped Felda should not be made an issue in the Johor election, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin.
The deputy communications and multimedia minister said this was because all parties, in particular the ruling Barisan Nasional government, have played some role in assisting Felda folk ever since it was formed during the Barisan Nasional administration.
“This issue was triggered when Azmin (Perikatan Nasional information chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali) and Najib (former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) started squabbling, but what is important is that when there is an alliance government like now, every party is helping Felda.
“Not necessarily Azmin, and not necessarily Najib, as Felda has been in existence for a long time and we have helped a lot, including myself when I was part of the Felda committee.
“During this election, do not make claims as to who has helped (Felda),” he said at a BN campaign programme for the Panti constituency in Bandar Tenggara Utara here last night.
Also present was the BN candidate for Panti, Hahasrin Hashim.
Azmin had prior to this challenged Najib to a debate on Felda issues.
Asked whether sentiments played by the opposition would affect BN’s chances of winning the Johor polls, Zahidi said it would not as the state was a BN stronghold.
Zahidi also said that former Johor Lama Bersatu assemblyman Rosleli Jahari’s intention to join Umno was a good move for the party.
“Many Bersatu and Pejuang members have asked to rejoin Umno and we see this as a good development as splinter parties don’t really progress,” he said while calling on all Malays to unite under one movement. – Bernama, March 8, 2022
