BARISAN Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has once again fired a salvo at party leaders and members who are disloyal and seeking easy ways to ensure their political survival.

Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said BN leaders and members should not look for easy exits when they feel their time is nearing its end.

“Don’t feel that when your time is almost up (in the country’s political scene), you look for doors and holes to escape.

“If one is loyal to the party, the party will know it. If one is not loyal to the party, when the time comes, and you want a place, (then) sorry.

“The important thing is to be loyal to the party,” Zahid said in his speech at the Penang BN Convention 2024 on Sunday.

Zahid, who is also the Umno president, said there is no place for those who betray or turn their backs on the party.

Without naming anyone, Zahid was stern when said that he is aware of who is loyal and who is not in the party.

“Who are the ‘gunting dalam lipatan’ (betrayers among friends), who stabbed their friends in the back, and who work with the enemies—it is all etched in my mind and heart.

“We may forgive, but we can never forget. Nevertheless, I deeply appreciate those who remain loyal to the party and BN,” he said.

Taking into consideration the current political landscape, Zahid said it was imperative for BN leaders and members to engage with the people to win their support and strengthen the party’s position.

“Allah had willed for BN to no longer be the dominant party after 62 years, necessitating collaboration with its partners in the unity government.

“This does not mean we will retreat.

“Under the present circumstances, we need to strengthen internal unity and go to the ground to win the hearts and minds of the people,” he said.

“God willing, the people and grassroots miss BN as the dominant party. They regret rejecting us in the past.

“But we cannot be complacent and must go all out to win them back. We have a proven record — Umno, MCA, MIC, and Friends of BN,” he added.