MERBOK: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today told Barisan Nasional (BN) that the coalition has what it takes to wrest back Kedah, Perlis and Terengganu from Perikatan Nasional (PN).
However, Zahid, who is also BN chairman, reminded its components that the coalition must change with times and adopt new methodology to win back the voters in the three states.
"Kedah, Terengganu and Perlis, these are the swing states. If we look at the pendulum (theory), we are now at the bottom.
"Therefore, BN has no other option but to embrace changes not only in Kedah, but across the nation. We need to adapt to new methodology," he said in his speech while opening the 2024 Kedah BN Convention at AIMST University here today.
Present were BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Kedah BN chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Kedah Pakatan Harapan components' state leadership.
Zahid reminded BN members that the coalition was formed 50 years ago based on challenges during that period.
"We do appreciate the old methods, but the political landscape has changed drastically.
"We need to adapt to new methodologies that are more suited to the current generation, so that we will remain relevant," he said.
Zahid also urged BN members to learn from DAP and PKR over their perseverance in politics despite being defeated for decades before finally assuming power.
"DAP and PKR faced hardship for years, but they persevered. BN also must persevere. Now, Umno, MCA, and MIC are no longer dominant, but we are lucky that we have partners in Pakatan Harapan to form the (federal) government.
"The same goes in Perak and Pahang, where BN partnered with PH to form the state governments and Umno being elected as the Menteri Besar in both states," he said.
Therefore, Zahid told BN members to preserve unity with PH components under the Madani government for the next two to three years to face the next general election.
Meanwhile, Kedah BN chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid echoed the same sentiment, emphasising that Kedah remains a swing state with a real possibility for BN and PH to reclaim it from PN.
He highlighted the significant influence of silent voters, particularly among the youth, who lack strong political ties and prioritise tangible outcomes.
"From 1974 to 2024, there have been state constituencies where a party might win one term and lose the next. There are many factors at play, and in Kedah, only one or two constituencies have consistently remained with Pas since the beginning.
"In every constituency or parliamentary seat, you'll find Pas supporters and BN supporters. Beyond these groups, there is a third force - the silent voters.
"These individuals decide independently whether to support BN or Pas, not based on ideology but are influenced by what they see in front of them," he said in a press conference after the conclusion of the convention.