KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional’s 48th anniversary and convention saw leaders and various supporters in a triumphant mood, akin to a display of readiness to face the 15th General Election.

       It was a sea of humans clad in blue, Barisan’s trademark colour, that filled up nearly four floors of the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

       A Barisan spokesperson said at least 4,000 supporters and leaders from Umno, MCA, MIC, and PBRS nationwide attended the event.

       “There were even Umno members coming from as far as Sabah,” added the spokesperson.

       The Barisan convention began at 8am yesterday with a forum involving senior leaders and political analysts that went on until noon.

       After lunch, Barisan top leaders began giving speeches at about 3pm.

       Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the convention was the first held in the last 12 years.

       “The top leadership of Barisan agreed to invite all leaders from parliament and state constituencies, as well as polling districts,” he said.

       Supporters from all races were seen mingling in several halls listening to speeches by party leaders.

       After the speeches were delivered at 4pm, supporters were seen mobbing Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and MCA president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, to get their selfies taken.