BN's strength can only be restored through victory in the state polls

SHAH ALAM - Barisan Nasional (BN) can only restore its strength through the victory of its candidates in the upcoming state elections on Aug 12, said Shah Alam Umno division chief Datuk Azhari Shaari.

He said that the party's restoration would not be achieved if its members supported the opposing parties.

Azhari was commenting on the statement by former BN secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa who had asked Umno members and supporters in the six states involved in elections to state their support for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to save the party.

Annuar had said that there was only one way for BN to be repaired, and that was through the people's referendum in the elections on Aug 12.

"This is the last chance for Umno members to save the party by joining the people's referendum, despite being forced to see Umno lose, only with a major loss can it be saved," he had said.

Azhari said that Annuar's statement was seen as having a revenge motive, as it was a decision that the members themselves did not approve of.

He also said that Annuar's suggestion that Umno members should support PN candidates in the elections would have no effect on the grassroots, in fact the members' openness were seen to be more positive towards this (BN-Pakatan Harapan) unity.

Bandar Tun Razak Umno Division deputy chief Datuk Adnan Seman said that if discussion on Umno's restoration was to be had, Umno supporters should vote for BN candidates.

He said that if PN candidates were given victories in areas contested by BN candidates, it would weaken Umno further.

Former Selangor Umno secretary Datuk Mohamed Satim Diman said that if Umno members supported the 'other' party, how would it win as Umno and BN already have their leadership and members who were plentiful.

He said that if the party did not win in elections by itself, Umno and BN would become weaker and the party leadership would not be liked by the people.

"If it wins by the support of members and voters surely the position would become stronger and members will decide on the future leadership to ensure Umno remains relevant," he said.