MARAN: Barisan Nasional (BN) will use its own logo when contesting the 16th General Election (GE-16), said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today (June 30).
The Umno president said BN's candidates' would use the coalition's 'dacing' symbol, while those from Pakatan Harapan (PH) could use their own logo.
"The BN and PH partnership and cooperation will continue (in GE16) as long as they (PH) do not contest in constituencies where BN fields its candidate and we (BN) do not contest in their areas (constituencies).
"We (BN) are not stepping out of the unity government but are only using our own logo.
"We will ensure there is no overlapping of seats (between BN and PH)."
He said this after opening the Maran Umno delegates' meeting here.
Present was Maran Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahaniza Shamsuddin.
Meanwhile, in his speech earlier, Zahid said BN enjoyed good ties with parties in the unity government, including DAP, as the party respected Malays and the position of Islam as enshrined in the constitution.
"The party's secretary-general (Anthony Loke) sits on my right in cabinet meetings.
"When the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) announced assistance for tahfiz schools, Kafa (Quran and Fardhu Ain) classes, Bumiputera Economic Council and assistance for villages, DAP has never objected to them.
"DAP respects Malays and the position of Islam as enshrined in the constitution.
"If DAP changes policies and does not respect the constitution, I will propose we pull the brakes (withdraw from the unity government).
"We have no issues. I respect your religion and you respect my religion.
"In the Pelangai by-election last year, DAP helped Umno's candidate in campaigning, and 95 per cent of Chinese votes were secured, which led to our victory.
"In the Kuala Kubu Baru by-election, we (BN) helped to campaign for DAP's candidate."
On Maran BN's performance, Zahid urged the division to get its act together to redeem the 4-0 defeat (Maran parliamentary and three state seats) to Perikatan Nasional in the last general election.
"In the 16th General Election, I want the Umno leadership in Maran to reclaim victory by not only ensuring victory in the Maran parliamentary constituency, but also the Luit, Chenor and Kuala Sentul state seats.
"Maran has always been Umno's stronghold, but due to infighting, we lost the seats.
"The defeat (in the last election) was not due to external factors but cracks in Umno.
"Let's put that dark episode behind us. Let's remain united to ensure victory in the next election."