Penang Umno chief Musa Sheikh Fadzir said: “Umno and Barisan Nasional have never stabbed their friends in the back. We will remain loyal to the unity government, and we fully support it under the leadership of the chief minister,” referring to Chow Kon Yeow.

“God willing, we will continue working together to deliver a big victory in the coming elections,” he said at Penang PH’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Permatang Pasir tonight.

Umno currently has only two representatives in the 40-seat state assembly: state executive councillor Rashidi Zinol who is Sungai Acheh assemblyman, and Reezal Merican Naina Merican, the assemblyman for Bertam.

Chow, who is Penang PH chairman, said that with about two years left before the next general election, all leaders and party workers must use the remaining time to show strong commitment, serve the people well and deliver their best performance.

Chow also expressed hope that PH and BN would continue to give full backing to PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister while the country faces economic pressures worsened by the crisis in the Middle East.