BATU PAHAT: Barisan Nasional, particularly Umno, will not use the same approach in the Nenggiri polls for the upcoming Mahkota by-election next month.

Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said although the party won yesterday's polls with a bigger majority, the political landscape and demography in Mahkota differed significantly from those in Nenggiri.

He said there were about 66,000 voters in Mahkota with different profiles, as well as 4,000 military personnel and 400 police voters.

"We know that the electorate in Mahkota is predominantly young, with 52 per cent of voters aged 39 and below, representing a significant age group.

"This of course will require coordination from the central leadership, and I am confident that with the strength of the machinery combined with efforts from the central, state, and division levels, we will be able to strengthen the campaign efforts here."

Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said this at a press conference after officiating the Civil Defence Students Corps 15th National Graduation Ceremony at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia today.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Civil Defence Force chief commissioner Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed.

During the press conference, Zahid also announced Onn Hafiz, who is Johor Umno liaison chief, as Mahkota by-election director, with Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan as his deputy.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin was appointed as BN operations room chief, while former Mahkota state assemblyman and Kluang Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Jais Sardy as operations director.

When asked about BN's candidate for the by-elections, Zahid said the party had a list of potential names, but they had not yet been shortlisted.

"InsyaAllah, we will discuss with the state and division leaderships and will respect the hierarchy in decision making.

"I have great respect for candidates who are shortlisted based on their potential to win and ease of acceptance. These criteria will be used for selecting the Mahkota candidate," he added.

Commenting on BN's win in Nenggiri, Zahid said the victory reflected the acceptance of Umno and BN in Kelantan, a state that had been governed by Pas for over three decades.

"However, Umno and BN's relevance in Kelantan must be acknowledged as a reality, as a resurgence, despite facing numerous slanders, accusations, and insults towards the BN chairman and Umno president.

"For us, our actions and campaigns adhere to the guidelines set by the Election Commission. However, what is more important is maintaining ethical conduct.

"We may have differing political views and opinions, but we must address these differences with respect, without attacking the personal character of any candidate or leader, as voters are increasingly discerning in making their decisions," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/08/1093220/different-approach-needed-mahkota-election-says-zahid