AHMAD Zahid Hamidi today gave Penang Barisan Nasional a morale boost saying that “a big change” will come to the Pakatan Harapan-controlled state.

He said the time has come for the people to open their minds and change their “cita rasa” (taste) and accept the reality that the BN federal government’s achievements outweighed the DAP-controlled state’s.

“This is the time to change your minds and taste because what we have done is better than the state. Under Prime Minister Najib Razak, a lot of transformation had taken place.

“Cukup la, cukup la, cukup la (enough, enough, enough),” he during a National Registration Department programme attended by some 5,000 people at Dewan Millenium in Kepala Batas, Penang.

Penang has been under Pakatan rule since 2008. Pakatan Harapan, led by DAP, is looking for a third term. Out of 40 state seats and 13 parliamentary seats, BN holds only 10 state seats and three parliamentary seats through Umno.

Zahid, who is acting Umno deputy president, said Kepala Batas folk are lucky to have voted in a BN MP and assemblymen, adding that the prime minister has been monitoring their work and is satisfied with their performance.

He said BN must work to retain its two other parliament seats in Tasek Gelugor and Balik Pulau.

“I am looking at other seats. Bukit Mertajam and Nibong Tebal. It’s time to win them back.”

He then rattled off a few other seats which he believes is winnable – Permatang Pauh, Jelutong, Bayan Baru, Batu Kawan and Bagan.

Bukit Mertajam, Bagan, Jelutong and Batu Kawan are DAP-held parliamentary seats while Permatang Pauh, Nibong Tebal and Bayan Baru are held by PKR.

“We are confident that God willing, a big change will happen in Penang.

“We know the impact faced by the people due to some weaknesses and irregularities. The federal government will offer the best to the people. We will keep our word and fulfil our promises,” Zahid said, adding that Penang BN parties under its chief, Teng Chang Yeow, must move forward.

“The ball is with you, the main player. So, play smartly,” he told Teng, who was present at the event.

Also present were Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who is also Kepala Batas MP, director-general of NRD Mohammad Razin Abdullah, various Penang federal agency chiefs, and state leaders from BN component parties. – March 15, 2018.