KUALA LUMPUR: Political moderation is key for Umno and Barisan Nasional to embrace moving forward in the country’s dynamic political climate.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir highlighted the call for political moderation as the basis of struggles for Umno and Barisan Nasional from party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s speech at the general assembly here on Friday (Aug 23).
“Umno and Barisan will continue to practise political moderation. But at the same time, we must bring forward change by building a new idealism aligned with the new political climate.
“(The president) outlined five main points to ensure Umno and Barisan will remain one step ahead in the next general election.
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“This includes the next generation and the party’s strength, Wanita Umno, as we faced the new environment (of campaigning through digital devices),” he said on the sidelines of the 2024 Umno General Assembly here.
It is time for the party to be prepared to face dynamic changes in the political sphere, says vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He said Umno needs to accept that it is harder now to gain an absolute majority when it comes to administering a country, as evident in other countries as well.
“Therefore, we need to be prepared to change our ways to cooperate with other parties, considering the dynamic changes in the political situation,” he said when asked to comment on the presidential address.
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The Titiwangsa MP said Umno should seize the opportunity to produce more leaders who can gain support from voters.
“We may be the largest party with 3.4 million members but it doesn’t mean we are the dominant party.
"We need to improve our ways... to work with other parties until we can continue to develop the country in the future,” he added.
Former senator Tan Sri S. Nallakaruppan said it is time for component parties in Barisan to continue showing cooperation following Umno’s call for political moderation.
“This is the time to promote unity among Barisan parties and its Friends of Barisan wings. They must cooperate but it must be visible to the people.
“No more calls that could (show a) divide within the coalition,” said the Barisan-friendly politician.
