Eager to regain two-thirds majority

UMNO leaders are eager to help Barisan Nasional regain the two-thirds majority in the upcoming general election after being fired up by the presidential policy speech.

Vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this could be achieved by Umno working with Barisan component parties and non-governmental groups.

Umno, he said, would be able to help Barisan regain the two-thirds majority if it could set aside differences and internal problems.

This was the core message of the presidential policy speech, which should be shared at all party levels, he added.

“Most importantly, we have unity among our leaders and members.

“If we can maintain these two elements with the help of our Barisan component parties and win back undecided voters, we will be able to translate the party president’s aspiration,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters at a joint press conference with Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hisham­muddin Hussein after the opening of the party’s general assembly.

Umno, said Dr Ahmad Zahid, was pouring all its efforts into achieving the two-thirds majority.

Asked if this was a tall order, he said Umno would focus on the middle ground by cooperating with the component parties and non-governmental organisations.

The presidential speech, he said, also focused on how the party could work together to “fight in the biggest battle” – the polls.

“Since Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took the helm of the party on March 26, 2009, he has managed to keep the unity of our leaders and members across all levels,” he said.

Hishammuddin said the presidential speech could be seen as a “report card” tabled to convince the public to vote for the party and Barisan.

“It is to convince the rakyat that they only have two options. It may not be an easy way forward, but it is still possible to convince them to give us a two-thirds majority in the polls,” he added.

Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin said Najib’s speech was not only aimed at Umno delegates but at all Malaysians, adding that it was a reminder that there was a lot at stake in the election.

“It’s not just any other election; it’s (for) the country’s future of the country. He has outlined our achievements and planning after the election,” he said.

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mustapa Mohamad said Najib’s speech would spur the delegates to ensure that Barisan captured the two-thirds majority.