Zahid dismisses BN-PN alliance talk in Ayer Kuning By-Election as ‘daydreaming’

UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has brushed aside suggestions of a potential alliance between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Perak as nothing more than a “daydream”.

Speaking during a campaign event ahead of Saturday’s Ayer Kuning by-election, Zahid said any serious attempt at political cooperation should have been made following the 15th General Election (GE15), not during an ongoing campaign.

“It would have been better if this suggestion for cooperation came earlier. But now, bringing it up during the Ayer Kuning by-election? I think it’s half-past twelve… if we’re dreaming, that would mean we’re dreaming every day,” he said sarcastically at a press conference after attending a Hari Raya community event at Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Kroh.

His remarks came in response to a statement by BERSATU deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who had claimed that grassroots UMNO members were more inclined to work with PN than with DAP.

Zahid dismissed the comment as an attempt to recycle outdated political narratives that no longer resonate with local voters.

“This is an old issue. I’m confident the voters in Ayer Kuning are wise enough to choose a candidate who can offer the best service,” Zahid said.

He added that the joint campaign machinery of BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) had been fully mobilised, expressing optimism that voters would continue to support the BN candidate.

The Ayer Kuning by-election is scheduled for tomorrow, following the death of incumbent assemblyman Datuk Ishsam Shahruddin in February. - April 25, 2025