Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminded UMNO members to always go to the ground to help and serve the people.

Batu Sapi UMNO leader Datuk Samsuddin Yahya said that was the advice given by the deputy prime minister when closing the two-day "Keris" programme organised by UMNO Training and Research Bureau for three UMNO divisions here.

The reminder is a responsibility entrusted by the party leadership for us to always focus on helping to solve the people's problems, said Samsuddin when met by reporters after the closing ceremony.

The programme, held to strengthen UMNO's preparations for the coming general election and attended by UMNO members from the Batu Sapi, Sandakan and Semporna divisions, was closed to the media, including the closing ceremony.

Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Sandakan UMNO leader Tan Sri Ampung Puyon and Acting Semporna UMNO leader Datuk Nasir Tun Sakaran.

Later today, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to open the "Jalinan Kasih" Carnival at Padang Perbandaran Tawau before returning to Kuala Lumpur.

The carnival is organised by Kalabakan UMNO's Training and Research Bureau. --Bernama