Zahid joins Rafizi, PH leaders in Padang Serai as they lambast common enemy PN

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi shared the stage with Pakatan Harapan (PH) bigwigs last night as they took turns to speak during the final leg of campaign for the Padang Serai election, even as the Umno president's appointment as deputy prime minister continues to cloud Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's days-old government.

Among those who spoke were Kedah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Jamil Khir Baharom, Kedah DAP chief Tan Kok Yew, Amanah's Mahfuz Omar and newly appointed Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution.

"We used to be allergic to seeing those wearing light blue shirts," Zahid said, in a reference to Barisan Nasional. 

"But believe me, there is a cure for allergies, and that is a sincerity about working together. So on that basis, we should forget the differences among us," he added.

Rafizi meanwhile acknowledged the "awkward" situation of him and PH leaders sharing the stage with Zahid.

"This extraordinary situation requires extraordinary decisions. If you ask me whether it is awkward, yes it is indeed," said Rafizi.

Zahid was heavily attacked as a "robber" by PH during the recent general election campaign, with leaders repeatedly promising that the coalition would ensure the Umno chief is imprisoned.

The deputy prime minister faces 47 criminal charges related to a charity foundation linked to him.

The Padang Serai contest pits PH's Mohamad Sofee Razak against Perikatan Nasional's (PN) Azman Nasrudin, after Barisan Nasional's C Sivaraj withdrew from the contest to reflect the newfound alliance at the federal level.

The election was postponed in the semi-rural constituency following the death of PH candidate M Karupaiya just three days before polling day.

Zahid's appearance last night came just days after his appointment to the number two position in the government sparked public outrage owing to the scores of corruption charges awaiting him in court.

Many criticised the appointment, calling it one of many U-turns made by Anwar since assuming the top office.

Anwar and PH leaders had repeatedly pledged not to appoint anyone facing charges to the Cabinet, and had denied persistent claims by PN that he was in a secret pact with Zahid to form a post-election alliance.