AHMAD ZAHID URGES RESPECT FOR FAMILY OF LATE MAHKOTA REP 

KLUANG, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the opposition to demonstrate greater sensitivity and refrain from using the name of the late Mahkota assemblyman, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, as part of their by-election campaign propaganda. 

The UMNO president said the opposition should respect the feelings of Sharifah Azizah’s family.

“In any form of campaigning, we must show respect for individuals, whether they are alive or deceased, and be mindful of the emotions of their families.

“I believe the best approach is to act with consideration and decorum, as we are here to select a representative to fill the position left vacant by someone who has passed on,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid told reporters this after a working visit to the Mahkota Army Camp here, accompanied by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also UMNO vice-president.

He was commenting on the actions of Tan Sri Annuar Musa, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) election operations deputy director, who allegedly posted on Facebook about organising a ‘tahlil’ ceremony for Sharifah Azizah, although the family later denied any knowledge of such an event.

In light of this, Ahmad Zahid said it is time to stop outdated campaigning methods that incite hatred or operate outside political norms and methods merely to garner voter support.

When asked about the recent conflict between UMNO youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh and DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok regarding halal certification issues, Ahmad Zahid regarded the matter as resolved, noting that he had issued a statement clarifying the government's position on halal certification. 

“It has toned down; I met with Dr Akmal on Sept 14, alongside Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, and I also informed DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke about this. So, the issue is closed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johor UMNO chairman, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said BN’s campaign for the Mahkota by-election, now in its sixth day, is proceeding smoothly. 

However, Onn Hafiz, who is the by-election director, cautioned that the party's machinery should not become complacent, as there is still much work to be done to ensure BN retains the state seat.

“We view ourselves as the 'underdog,' and we will strive harder to connect with every voter here,” he said. 

The Mahkota by-election on Sept 28 is a straight fight between Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah and PN’s Mohamad Haizan Jaafar.

It is being held following Sharifah Azizah’s death on Aug 2.

-- BERNAMA