LIPIS: Barisan Nasional’s (BN) victory in the Cameron Highlands by-election on Jan 26 will be a referendum reflecting the people’s unhappiness towards the government of the day.
Acting Umno president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan said the by-election will be the best platform for voters to vent their displeasure at the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government, and serve as a warning to them not to continue duping the people with empty promises.
“Cameron Highlands will be the starting point for the Malays (from Umno and Pas) to unite before we contest in Semenyih, Selangor and Rantau (in Negeri Sembilan). I am waiting for the Appeal Court to hear my case for the Rantau state seat on Feb 18... we pray and hope for the best.
“We must vote out the government which gained popularity and won based on empty promises and slander. I believe (PH) will be shown the exit in the 15th general election,” he said in his speech during the “BN and Pas ceramah Perdana” event at Felda Sungai Koyan here, on Sunday night.
Meanwhile, Mohamad said that the Malays should be wise and take part in politics, and not create opportunities for parties like DAP to be in power.
He said that adopting “mature” politics by defending race and religion, and not being divided based on political party ideologies, are crucial to ensure the fate of Islam in the country.
“When the Malays practise politics based on political parties, we become divided into six parties... that does not include the smaller ones. Starting from tonight, we should never look back.
“Just like when we drive a car, we must only focus at the front.... when we look at the rear mirror, we will only see a small image. So that is the reason why we must only look forward,” he said.
Also present were Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and BN’s candidate for the Cameron Highlands by-election Ramli Mohd Nor.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Hadi said that the party which won big in the 14th general election (GE14) had made various promises – including to abolish tolls and reduce petrol prices – but failed to honour them.
“Now they want to bring development to Cameron Highlands... they should instead fulfil the promises made earlier (in the GE14) before making further pledges.
“The current political scenario is very challenging for Muslims, so it’s time for us to set our differences aside and focus on winning in Cameron Highlands. We made a mistake in the past (some supported PH in GE14) and now it’s time to make the right choice,” he said.
Some 3,000 people attended the ceramah, which was held simultaneously with a PH forum just 100 metres away, which featured speakers such as Nik Omar Nik Abdul Aziz.