Penang UMNO denies PFP is a BN friendly party

Penang UMNO has denied claims that newly established Penang Front Party (PFP) is a Barisan Nasional (BN) friendly party.

Its chairman, Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman said Padang Besar Member Parliament, Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, who is also PFP adviser, was acting on personal capacity and not UMNO.

"PFP's plan to contest 25 seats in Penang contested by BN component parties other than UMNO is against the concept of a Barisan Nasional (BN) friendly party," he said in a statement, here today.

On Monday, newspapers quoted Zahidi as saying that BN-friendly PFP plans to contest for 25 state seats in Penang.

Zainal Abidin said the establishment of PFP and the appointment of Zahidi as adviser was never referred to the UMNO Supreme Council or Penang UMNO.

Penang UMNO regretted Zahidi was used by PFP to undermine the cooperation and understanding among the BN component parties in Penang.

"Zahidi's willingness to become adviser of a party which proposed the opening of a casino in Penang is unacceptable. It is also unethical for a Member of Parliament.

"He should have been aware of the sensitivities of Muslims. Penang UMNO rejects the casino proposal," he added.

Meanwhile, Penang UMNO deputy chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican said the PFP proposal to open a casino did not consider the sensitivities of locals.

Reezal, who is also Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said, Penang is rich in tourism products and does not need a casino to attract tourists.

"Gambling is not a Malaysian culture, especially for Penangites. Non-Muslimsare also against gambling as it can destroy families and society," he added.