MELAKA, June 26 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today attended the Melaka State Assembly speaker Datuk Othman Muhamad’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Taman Ayer Molek, here today.

Ahmad Zahid who is also the Home Minister arrived at 3.30pm and spent about an hour with about 7,000 people who attended the open house which had a spread of nasi lemak, roti canai, rendang and mee goreng.

Also present was the Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, Bukit Katil Umno Division chief Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam and Melaka state executive councillors.

Othman said the presence of the deputy prime minister provided a major boost for Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders in the state to prepare for the 14th General Election.

He added that unity among the various races was important for BN to retain the seats won in Melaka, including the Bukit Katil Parliamentary seat.

"Unity is important because the support of just one race cannot guarantee a win for BN. We need the support of all races to ensure victory,” he said. — Bernama