New Umno veeps promise to unite members

KUANTAN: The newly-elected Umno vice-presidents have pledged to unite party members after the gruelling polls and strengthen the party for future challenges.

Newly-minted Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail says it is time to rebuild the party to face the next general election.

While thanking the delegates who supported him, the Pahang Mentri Besar said his success meant he had a big responsibility to help the party president, deputy president and leadership, especially at a time when Umno was facing challenges.

“Umno’s defeat in the 15th General Election requires all members to regroup, strengthen our bonds, and give undivided loyalty to the party, so that it can rise to become a strong party.

“Armed with my experience in administering the government, and also, the party, God willing, I will use it to help rebuild Umno’s strength so that it can rise again and remain relevant to regain the people’s support, especially in the 16th General Election,” Wan Rosdy said in a statement yesterday.

He called on Umno members to persevere, gather energy and work together to ensure that the party’s struggle could continue for the sake of religion, race and country.

Wan Rosdy, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani were confirmed as the party’s vice-presidents for the 2023-2026 term upon the conclusion of the party polls last Saturday.

Wan Rosdy garnered the most votes with 127, followed by Mohamed Khaled, who is also Higher Education Minister (116 votes), and Titiwangsa MP Johari (110 votes).

Johari said he would look to strengthen bonds between Umno members and work together as one big family to earn the trust of the people.

In a Facebook statement on Sunday, Johari thanked all Umno members who voted for him.

“My highest thanks to everyone who voted for me, especially members of my election campaign who worked tirelessly to earn me this victory.

“I will do my best to lead Umno side by side with the president and the other two vice-presidents and supreme council members to earn the trust of the people moving forward,” he said.

Likewise, Mohamed Khaled also expressed his appreciation and vowed to usher in a brand new era for the party.

In a Facebook statement yesterday, Khaled said he would unite members from all corners of the party to show a united front.

“I thank all Umno members for allowing me to serve as vice-president, and it is time for all of us to come together and restore people’s faith in Umno.

“Let’s start purifying ourselves and rebuilding our party from the ground up for the good of our beloved nation,” he said.