UMNO Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi has urged the unity government to stop making excuses and accept the outcome of the Sungai Bakap by-election.
Commenting on the by-election loss on Facebook, he said Putrajaya should avoid giving too many excuses and formulas for the loss.
“The people are dissatisfied. Trust deficit has returned,” he said on Facebook.
Puad said the euphoria over the government’s success in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election in May did not last long.
“Several decisions and actions by the government after that by-election became an easy target for the opposition.
“Do not become complacent after the win in Kuala Kubu Baharu. Don’t make hasty decisions,” he said.
Speaking further, Puad also advised the government to not ignore the concerns of the people and remove underperforming officials.
On a separate matter, Puad said former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s supporters may be reluctant to back parties associated with the unity coalition as long as they believe he has been denied his right to a fair trial.
Yesterday, Perikatan Nasional retained the Sungai Bakap state seat after its candidate, Abidin Ismail, won with a majority of 4,267 votes over Pakatan Harapan candidate Joohari Ariffin.
The by-election was held following the death of PAS assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff, who was also the Nibong Tebal PAS division chief, on May 24 from stomach inflammation. – July 7, 2024.