IT doesn’t matter how much a person has contributed to Umno, but if he challenges the party, Umno will fight him to the end, said Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah. 

“I would like to tell the people of Langkawi in anticipation of the next general election. It doesn’t matter who that person is or what he has done for the country and his contributions. 

“If he wants to topple Umno and Barisan Nasional, we will fight to the end,” said Bashah referring to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. 

Bashah, speaking at the Langkawi Umno division meeting today, also reminded the island’s residents that Umno has done a lot for Kedah, the island and Malaysia in the last 71 years. 

Langkawi, an archipelago of 104 islands, was turned into a duty-free zone during Dr Mahathir’s time in power. 

During the Dr Mahathir years, the main island flourished with an international airport, and played host to various international conferences including the biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition.

Bashah said over the years, Umno and BN had contributed a lot to the country’s development, and this should continue by keeping them in power. 

“In Langkawi, the leaders change, but the party has to stand fast for the future of our generation.

Langkawi is considered to be Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir’s stronghold given his many contributions to develop the island while he was prime minister.

PH is targeting the Langkawi parliamentary seat as they believe that Dr Mahathir still has a large influence over the people there. 

Bashah said he was worried with the accusations being made by the former prime minister while he toured Kedah to slander Umno. 

“We have to look into this. We cannot allow our party leader (Umno president and Prime Minister Najib Razak) to be slandered. The attempts to smear the name of our leaders have been going around in Kedah.” 

Bashah said Najib had done a lot for Kedah and the country, so the people must support him in the next election. 

“We want Najib to know that the people in Kedah are grateful for the kindness he has shown. 

“We will definitely repay Najib when we face the election, which is coming soon.”

Earlier, Najib launched two low-cost housing projects in Kuah and Ayer Hangat, worth RM247 million, and the RM9.16 million Kampung Chenang fishermen’s jetty.

Present were Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Noh Omar, Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim and Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.

Guests at the event were treated to a lucky draw, where the prizes up for grabs included a car, motorcycles, bicycles and electric appliances. – August 19, 2017.