KOTA BARU: A new political party, which entered Orang Asli settlements to divide the community, was sponsored by Barisan Nasional's (BN) or Pakatan Harapan's (PH) political enemies.
Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this group has been moving around Orang Asli settlements not only in Gua Musang but also in Negri Sembilan.
"The political party which infiltrated Orang Asli villages has been sponsored by our political enemies.
"I was informed that the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) has done its best on development and other issues related to the Orang Asli.
"We hope the new political party will not be used by these organisers," said the Rural and Regional Development Minister.
Zahid was speaking at a press conference after launching the election machinery for unity government component parties for state seats under the Kota Baru Parliamentary constituency at the Kelantan Umno building here today.
Also present were BN candidate for Bunut Payong, Datuk Mohamed Hasnan Che Hussin, Amanah candidate for Kota Lama Dr Hafidzah Mustakim and PKR's Zinda Khalil Sastro Hassan, who will contest in Tanjong Mas.
On Wednesday, Zahid had described the establishment of a new political party for the Orang Asli as an attempt to divide the community. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/07/935281/irresponsible-quarters...)
He said irresponsible quarters were trying to infiltrate Orang Asli villages to give a negative impression of the government.
He said they came in with various goals, supposedly to bring development and progress for the community but from what he had seen, there is a hidden agenda behind it. He said he would not allow efforts to discredit the government to take place.