Umno needs to be dominant to govern effectively, says Tok Mat

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at the opening of the Women's, Youth and Puteri wings' meetings at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on March 16, 2022. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno needs to become the dominant political party in the country in order to lead a stable government, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

The Umno deputy president said if the party is strong, the interests of the Malays can be looked after.

“Let us be honest – we are not that strong. We merely have a prime minister from Umno but it is not an Umno government. Is this something to be proud of?” he asked.

Speaking at the opening of the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings’ meetings on Wednesday night (March 16), Mohamad said that Umno must win the general election with a large majority so it can form a stable government.

“There is no need for us to ask for a lifeline and support from our enemies, just to manage and administer the government.

“Umno cannot depend on the sympathy of others, we must stand on our own and must be confident with our plans for Malaysia,” he said.

Mohamad said that Umno must put have leaders who are experienced, capable and can steer Malaysia to be a progressive and influential nation.

“We must ensure that the policies of Umno become government policies. The party and the government must be on the same page,” he said.

Mohamad also pointed out that while Umno cannot run away from internal conflicts, such problems must not be allowed to manifest and hinders the party’s aspirations to become the political voice of the Malays.

He said it was not a secret there were those whose “favourite pastime” was to plan to split Umno, saying that some “come from within Umno”.

He pointed out that Umno occupies has 17% of the seats in Parliament.

“We are forced to manage the country through an understanding with the Opposition. This has caused a lot of confusion. Is Umno administrating or being administered?

“It hurts to hear when people say that Umno is in power at the mercy of others but unfortunately, this is true,” he said.