GE: Find 'formula' for bigger majority in Kota Marudu - Zahid





KOTA MARUDU, April 9 (Bernama) -- A 'formula' is needed for an increased majority for the Barisan Nasional for the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat in the 14th general election (GE14), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the formula should be arrived at through consultations among the negotiating parties.

"We respect the principle of consensus building among BN components.

"This is important because in the this last lap, we cannot afford to have any problems because we know the sentiments on the ground (grassroots level)," he told reporters after a 'meet-the-people' session in Matunggong near here today.

Ahmad Zahid was referring to the failure of BN to defend the Matunggong state seat in GE13 which caused the coalition's winning majority in Kota Marudu to drop slightly.

In GE13, BN´s Sarapin Magana from Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) failed to defend the Matunggong seat which was won by Datuk Jelani Hamdan, who stood on a PKR ticket.

Ahmad Zahid said studies on the winnability level and acceptance must be taken into consideration to get more support from the voters (in Matunggong) for BN.

"It was stubbornness that caused our downfall in Matunggong. So, we have to do something about it, " he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Ahmad Zahid had said that among the steps that could be taken to win Matunggong in GE14 was to "loan " the PBS seat to UMNO.

"This is not a decision. But would not that be good and I believe the family spirit among BN components will ensure a big victory (in Matunggong) in GE14, " he said.

Ahmad Zahid also said that the sub-district (Matunggong) will be made a full district if its voters there gave their mandate to BN in GE14.

Also present were Ahmad Zahid´s wife DatIn Seri Hamidah Khamis, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister and PBS president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, who is also PBS deputy president and incumbent MP for Kota Marudu, and Datuk Jelani Hamdan, who has switched allegiance to BN.

-- BERNAMA