S'WAK POLLS Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is confident that the urban Chinese in Sarawak will swing back to BN in the May 7 state polls.
This was the message he repeatedly conveyed to the three major mainstream media groups he visited in Kuching yesterday.
According to Zahid, the urban Chinese have changed their attitudes toward the state government led by caretaker chief minister Adenan Satem.
"I am very touched especially by Chinese voters in urban area. It's very different from previous state elections," he said.
"We need even strong Chinese representatives in the state and I would like to have a Chinese state assemblyperson to be appointed as assistant ministers and ministers," Zahid told KTS media group during the interview.
The Umno vice-president added that he will not hesitate to whisper in Adenan's ear to appoint a Chinese as deputy chief minister if the response turned out to be overwhelming.
KTS Media Group owns the English daily Borneo Post, Malay daily Utusan Borneo and two Chinese newspapers, See Hua Daily and The Oriental Daily.
During his visit to Sin Chew Media Group, which owns Sin Chew Daily andGuang Ming Daily, Zahid continued to touch on the Chinese support.
"They want to see that not only the opposition can bring these issues, but BN candidates and BN direct candidates will (also) be raising the issues," he said.
"Do not blame Adenan if things turn up differently as he has given the opportunity to all the ethnic communities.
"Take up the opportunity. I hope the Chinese community will give Adenan five years. Give him the chance to fight for the Chinese," Zahid added.
In his interview with Star Media Group, he again stressed that waves have moved to the government's side as the Chinese voters are beginning to see BN positively.
Adenan had told the Chinese in Kuching to support Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) candidates if they want a Chinese deputy chief minister.
He then duplicated the same rhetoric by urging the Chinese in Sibu to support BN direct candidate if they want Chinese ministers.
It will be difficult for DAP to make a breakthrough in bumiputera seats, as the voters have almost made up their mind.
"Middle ground voters are deciding who to vote. But I reckon eventually it will be on our side," he said.
He slammed the opposition for propagating the RM2.6 billion donation issue to inculcate hatred culture in urban areas.
"It's not an issue in rural areas...This is hatred culture by them (the opposition)," he said.
On another development, Zahid said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak should not accept the debate challenge by the opposition.
"No, his schedule is very tight. It's unfair for the prime minister to follow the bullet. I think to be fair, let us do it after May 7," he said. -Mkini
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