GUA MUSANG: Umno has requested all parties not to politicise the absence of its veteran and Nenggiri election director, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, at the launch of Barisan Nasional's election machinery today.
Kelantan BN chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub said the absence of the veteran was due to some last minute matters that could not be avoided.
"I have some concerns (over Tengku Razaleigh's absence) and of course, the opposition will take advantage of the situation by making inciting statements when they see that he is not with us during the event today.
"He (Tengku Razaleigh) was not able to attend at the last minute due to unavoidable matters.
"However, he has informed us that he will be with the BN candidate during the nomination day this Saturday," he said during the launch of BN's election machinery today.
Present was BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
At the same time, Ahmad Jazlan said the event was conducted following discussions between Zahid and Tengku Razaleigh.
In another development, Ahmad Jazlan also urged all voters to support the BN candidate in the upcoming by-election.
"The by-election will not change Putrajaya (the federal government) or Kota Darulnaim (the state government), but it is the future of Nenggiri and Gua Musang.
"We need strong ties with the federal government and the Nenggiri by-election is the most appropriate time (to strengthen the ties)," he said.