Selangor BN convention kicks off, with focus on recapturing Selangor

KLANG: Rejuvenated with hope after Barisan Nasional's sterling performances in several state elections, the coalition's chapter in the state is gathering for its annual convention Sunday (July 31) with much gusto.

Themed Bangkit Selangor (Arise Selangor), the meeting at the Setia Convention Center in Shah Alam will be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Sabri Ismail Yaacob and closed by Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

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Attendees are also scheduled to discuss strategies and do a post-mortem on Selangor's political campaigns as well as the state's current issues.

At the forefront is the deliberation on what Barisan can and will offer to new voters.

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This session from 3.30pm to 6.30pm is closed to the media.

Earlier in the day, a panel discussion will start with a speech by Barisan advisory panel member and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The topic of the forum will revolve around the political analysis of the state as well as the administration of the state government.

Speakers include UPM's corporate strategies and relations director Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Muati Ahmad, Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research director Dr Sia Bik Kai and Universiti Sains Malaysia's political science expert Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.

Selangor MCA and MIC leaders will also deliver short speeches during the closing of the event.

Former Selangor Umno chief Datuk Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan said the crowd at the convention this year was overwhelming.

"There is so much enthusiasm in the air and there seems to be a new hope for a better time ahead and this convention will certainly be the turning point for us to make the necessary changes to retake Selangor," added the Hulu Selangor Umno division head.

"It is everyone's fervent hope that we can take Selangor back," he added.

Selangor changed hands from Barisan the then Pakatan Rakyat in the 2008 polls.

The state government had been administrated by Pakatan Rakyat and then Pakatan Harapan since with the mentri besar coming from PKR for all three terms since 2008.