BANGI, July 8 — Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday said he respects MCA and MIC for sticking with the coalition even though they are not going to contest in the upcoming state elections.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Mega Madani Tour’ last night, Zahid urged the national unity government’s supporters to forget about the past.

"Even though our MIC and MCA friends decided not to contest, I fully respect them for still supporting BN for the state elections. They will help all candidates from BN and Pakatan Harapan .

"I urge all party machinery to forget about the past and find common grounds, especially during this state election period. If we work together, we will win Selangor and other states and give it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a gift,” he said in his speech.

The parties in the national unity government launched their election machinery for the Selangor state election last night.

Kedah, together with Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Selangor, Kelantan, and Terengganu will all hold their state elections on August 12.

The state polls will be the first time that former rivals BN and Pakatan Harapan will compete as partners since they allied to form the national unity government after the 15th general election last year.