BN urged to close ranks and defend position in Terengganu

The Barisan Nasional (BN) government's position in Terengganu should be defended in any situation to maintain the people's mandate to UMNO at the last general election. UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said UMNO, particularly Terengganu UMNO, had its own approach to resolve conflicts. "At the same time, all parties should give the party leadership space and time to use all means available to resolve the present crisis in the state," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Terengganu came under the spotlight since last night after Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, who is also Kijal assemblyman, resigned as Menteri Besar as soon as Seberang Takir assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman took oath as the new menteri besar.

In another twist of events Ahmad, Ajil assemblyman Ghazali Taib and Bukit Besi assemblyman Roslee Daud announced their resignation from UMNO and declared themselves as independent elected representatives.

However, late Tuesday Roslee withdrew his resignation from UMNO and returned as an elected Barisan Nasional representative resulting in BN retaining 16 seats (including the speaker), PAS (14), PKR (1) and Independent (2).

Hishammuddin, who was former Terengganu UMNO Liaison Committee chairman, also called on all quarters to be rational in facing this crisis and not hasty in making rash decisions which may jeopardise the interest of the party.

"Don't be so hasty when faced by such challenges because our opponents are ever ready to take advantage of the situation. Let us close ranks and strengthen our position instead," he said.