UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has admitted that Barisan Nasional (BN) is facing significant rejection from the public.

Zahid, who is also BN chairman, said Umno must work more aggressively towards regaining the people’s trust.

“When Umno is hit by Malays’ rejection, Umno, MIC, MCA and PBRS (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah) must rise again and gather the support of the people,” Zahid was reported as saying by Berita Harian at the groundbreaking ceremony for MIC’s new headquarters today.

Also present were MIC president S.A. Vigneswaran and his deputy, M. Saravanan.

“This rejection puts the country in a bad situation,” said Zahid.

“The loss of support for BN during the 15th general election and the six state elections can be regained.”

Zahid also said BN parties could not afford to marginalise each other in an effort to regain the people’s support for the coalition.

“It is better to not have an agenda to marginalise each other. We need the help of Umno, MIC, MCA and PBRS as well as our ‘friends of BN’,” he said.

“History is full of twists and turns. We are dealing with a considerably rejection.

“However, what is at the bottom does not always remain at the bottom if we make an effort to raise it.”

Zahid is facing pressure to relinquish his post as Umno president following the party’s bad performance in the August 12 state elections.

Barisan Nasional lost in most of the constituencies it contested.

Zahid also said the cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) was the most effective method to rebuild BN’s image.

“I am confident that BN will rise again after this challenge. Our cooperation with PH is the best way,” the Bagan Datuk MP said.

“Our (BN) cooperation with PH has yet to establish confidence, but it has only been nine months for BN and our friends in PH to rebuild support.

“Commitment is required not only from the top leadership but also from all levels. It is necessary that we restructure and win back the people’s confidence.” – August 21, 2023.