DPM said he is aware of rumours that he suffered a heart attack and that there are people who are praying for him to “padam” (let him die).

DPM: I am healthy and well

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he is aware of rumours that he suffered a heart attack and a stroke and that there are people who are praying for him to “padam” (let him die).

He said there were rumours that he had suffered a stroke while opening the Padang Terap Umno division meeting on Saturday.

Denying that he was suffering from serious health problems, the Umno vice-president said he was only tired and that his voice was hoarse.

“I forgive those who spread the rumours. I am still healthy, only tired and have a hoarse voice after officiating eight division meetings this week.



“I had to see the doctor for a check-up, not for a heart attack according to the rumours. And there were rumours that many people prayed for me to “padam” (let him die),” he said when opening the Subang Umno division meeting in Sungai Buloh yesterday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid also cut short his speech so as not to aggravate his condition, Bernama reported.

In his speech, he urged Barisan Nasional component parties to intensify efforts to face the 14th general election.

He said they needed to meet the people, especially the poor, and help solve their problems.

He said this could be done by setting up centres to provide service to society.

“We hope through these efforts, we can win back Selangor and other states from the opposition,” he said.

In Parit, Perak, Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob advised members to rally their support behind the party leaders.

He said party members should not be swayed and become emotional by what was said by the opposition.

Instead, he said, they should intensify their attacks on the opposition while at the same time show their undivided support to party leaders.

Speaking at the opening of the Parit Umno division meeting, Ismail Sabri called on party members to take advantage of the weaknesses shown by the opposition instead of looking for faults within.

“The opposition is making so many mistakes lately, yet we are busy picking on our own leaders’ faults. We should be like them and always be on the attack mode,” he added.