NEW YORK: Barisan Nasional will need to step up efforts to win back its mandate and stave off challenges from new players emerging ahead of the race in the next elections.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said with new parties being registered, rebranded with name changes or restructured, it could bring about a scenario in which votes will be split.

“I urge parties under the BN coalition to start going to the ground and prepare to face the next election,” said Zahid, who is also Umno vice president.

He said this following the application by former Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal to take over an existing Sabah-based party backed by his followers, including several elected representatives from different political parties.

Zahid said he has full confidence in the leadership of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman to face any challenge that comes the way of the ruling coalition.

“He has always been a strong leader, but whether the emergence of new players will be a threat or not, we just have to be ready. That’s the priority.”-nst