Umno veterans can help Barisan Nasional (BN) recapture Kelantan from PAS, said Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today.

He said the veterans can play an important role by disseminating ideas and inject a new spirit for party members to work hard to ensure a victory for BN in the coming elections.

"They have a role to play, because by working together, it will make BN stronger and ensure a win in Kelantan," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Najib, who is Umno deputy president and BN deputy chairperson, was speaking at a function attended by Umno veterans and NGOs in Kota Bahru.

He said Umno had always appreciated the role of veterans in realising the leaders' aspirations to turn Malaysia into a developed country.

"This is what we want, to make Kelantan a developed state like other states. It's for this reason, that all should work together," he added.

He also expressed hope that Umno members would enhance solidarity and have a strong determination to ensure a successful outing in the coming elections.

PAS is shaky

Najib also noted that the Kelantan government under PAS was shaky and the prospects are bright for BN to take control of the state.

Following the last general elections in 2004 and subsequent by-elections, PAS is now ruling the state with a single seat majority,

Meanwhile, Kelantan Umno liaison committee chairperson Annuar Musa said the party has made several preparations for the coming elections and has outlined numerous strategies.

"Umno wants the people of Kelantan to be in a comfortable situation and not be left out," he added.

Yesterday, PAS strategist Dr Dzukifli Ahmad told malaysiakini that the party hopes to retain Kelantan in the next elections.