They merely wanted to listen to the issues raised by the opposition speakers, and this phenomenon took place at every general election, he said after a friendly gathering with members of the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and the families of armed forces veterans yesterday.

Tengku Razaleigh recalled the lessons learned by his Umno-splinter party, Semangat 46, at the 1990 general election when many people came to listen to the talks but eventually voted for BN.

Tengku Razaleigh’s remarks came in response to widespread sharing of photographs and videos showing large crowds at opposition party ceramahs.

Tengku Razaleigh founded Semangat 46 but later rejoined Umno.

He is defending the Gua Musang parliamentary seat, which he has represented since 1986. His opponents are Abdullah Hussein of PAS and Mohd. Nor Hussin (PPBM).

He said the absence of the former PAS spiritual leader, the late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, had a severe impact on the PAS struggle, which lead to a split among party members.

PAS appeared to be losing strength to defend Kelantan, the state the party had governed for over 28 years, said Tengku Razaleigh.

At another ceremony, he told constituents that BN was ready to provide employment opportunities so that they would no longer have to migrate to other states looking for jobs.

“They have complained to me and other leaders, that they want to work in the state itself, and I hope they make the change by supporting the BN candidates in this general election,” he said.

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