'Ahmad Said should step down after losing 32-0'
NORHASPIDA YATIM
KEMAMAN - Following a resounding 32-0 loss by all Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in the recent state elections to Perikatan Nasional (PN), Terengganu Umno chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Said is facing calls to step down.
Kemaman Umno division deputy chief Datuk Wan Ahmad Nizam Wan Abdul Hamid stressed that as a leader of high standing, the former Terengganu Menteri Besar should take accountability for the significant defeats.
"It's time for him (Ahmad Said) to step down.
"He must be accountable for the major loss—32-0, eight vacant seats in Terengganu's Parliament. This lack of check and balance implies that the Pas government was unrestrained to act as it pleased. I urge the public to reconsider.
"With our current circumstances, hardships might arise in Terengganu. Moreover, there will be no cooperation with the central government," he told reporters here yesterday.
Wan Ahmad Nizam stressed that Umno should prioritise showcasing the youth leadership lineup to inject new vitality and safeguard the party from obscurity.
"The leadership lineup must undergo change to incorporate youthful leaders capable of guiding a revitalized Umno.
"This is essential as the youth have observed transformations within Umno's leadership, though many capable young leaders remained unnoticed. In the recent elections, only two youth candidates were given prominence," he added.
The state elections unveiled several unexpected outcomes, including the defeat of two former Terengganu Menteri Besar by their challengers.
Ahmad Said, who contested in the Kijal state seat, lost to Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris by a margin of 3,758 votes.
Razali, a newcomer under the Pas banner, triumphed over Ahmad, who concurrently held the position of Terengganu BN chairman, securing 13,403 votes.
The state elections in Terengganu, alongside the Kuala Terengganu by-election, witnessed Pas sweeping all 32 state seats and one Parliamentary seat.
