PADANG TERAP: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has instructed the Umno machinery to give their fullest commitment to assist the unity government candidate from Pakatan Harapan (PH), Pang Sock Tao, in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

Zahid, who is also Umno president and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said it is time for the coalition to return the favour to PH for supporting Umno candidates in the Tioman and Pelangai by-elections in Pahang.

"We have seen how, in the Tioman and Pelangai by-elections in Pahang, we were able to win because of the support of our partners (PH).

"Now in Kuala Kubu Baharu, it is only fair that Umno returns the favour.

"The Umno machinery is obliged to work hard to ensure the victory of the unity government's candidate," Zahid said in his speech while opening the Padang Terap Umno division's branches annual general meeting in Kuala Nerang today.

Present were Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajidi Dusuki and Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, who is also Padang Terap Umno division chief.

Yesterday, Asyraf had issued a statement pledging Umno's commitment to assist Pang in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election is being held following the death of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, on March 21.

The state seat will be contested by Pang, Khairul Azhari Saut from Perikatan Nasional, Hafizah Zainudin from Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM), and Nyau Ke Xin, who is contesting as an independent.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/05/1046269/zahid-says-umno-returning-favour-ph-supporting-party-tioman-pelangai