SHAH ALAM - Terengganu politics are always changing, and it is not impossible for Umno to become the state government after its defeat in 2018.
Terengganu Umno chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said that based on the record of the government that led the state, it always alternates between the two parties.
He said even though Umno lost badly in the 15th General Election (GE15), it was not impossible for the party to return to government.
"Terengganu was the first state ruled by Pas after the first election but only lasted two years and eight months due to a vote of no confidence.
"At that time, we (Umno) lost 28-4 and only won four seats, but won again in 2004.
"In 2007, Umno lost again with a score of 22-8, and we believe that it will always change, even though we lost badly recently," he said during the 405th Wacana Sinar titled ‘PRN: Banyak Isu Belum Selesai?’ (State Polls: Many Unsolved Issues?) which took place at the Karangkraf Group Complex here last night.
The programme was hosted by Ismail Adnan and also featured three other panellists, which were Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Supreme Leadership Council member Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub, Terengganu Umno Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, and DAP Central Committee member RSN Rayer.
At the same time, Ahmad also said Umno is an honest party.
He also claimed that Pas's move to distribute aid during the 15th General Election (GE15) campaign was against the Election Commission Act.
"This is considered corruption because the party channelled aid just a few days before the election.
"Just imagine if everyone is given assistance, regardless of age, whether young and old, university students or veterans. This action by Pas has resulted in Umno's defeat. We have lost some 20,000 to 30,000 votes," he added.
Meanwhile, Ahmad explained that when Umno administered the state government, it never failed to channel aid and assistance to the people, including Hari Raya aid.
Since 2001, he said, Umno has already allocated and distributed funds for the people for the Hari Raya celebration, which continued until 2018.