UMNO must pay heed to the interests of non-Malays because the backbone of the Barisan Nasional consistently received their support in general elections, said Deputy Prrime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said UMNO would still need their support in the coming 14th general election (GE14).

"For GE14, UMNO as the backbone of the BN must take into consideration the interests of non-Malays to help the BN win, asides from the deposit of Malay support," he said when opening Sungai Besar UMNO delegates conference here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO vice president but discharging the duties of deputy president following the sacking of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, said the BN's victories in elections in Sabah and Sarawak all along was also because of the support of non-bumiputeras.

As such, he said all UMNO leaders must be seen to be fair so that the voters and people continued to appreciate and support the BN.

He also reminded UMNO leaders to always prioritise unity and prepare for the General Election (GE) rather than focus on party elections.

"What is the meaning of holding a post in the party but losing in the General Election?" he said.

Also present were Selangor UMNO chief Tan Sri Noh Omar and Sungai Besar UMNO division chief Datuk Jamal Md Yunus.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid had also launched a book penned by Sungai Besar MP Budiman Mohd Zohdi titled "Buku Biru: 10 Sebab Budiman Pilih UMNO" (Blue Book: 10 Reasons Why Budiman Chose UMNO).