KUALA LUMPUR: Umno’s party membership of 3.52 million is no assurance of victory in the ballot box, says Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Referencing the Sabah state elections held two months ago, he said Umno boasted a membership of 622,637 but only received 144,584 votes.
“I must be straightforward on this. We always celebrate an increasing membership as a sign of our strength but the reality is that this does not materialise into victories during elections.
“Party members are not necessarily our voters and our voters may not necessarily stick with us.
“Figures in many states also show an obvious difference between the number of party members and votes received,” he said in his speech at the Umno annual general assembly yesterday.
Referring to the upcoming Melaka and Johor state polls and the 16th General Election, he remarked: “We have to ask ourselves if our growing membership will be enough to guarantee victory.”
“This is a reality we must address head on. Loyalty is no longer deemed automatic,” he added.
Asyraf Wajdi also urged Umno members to not be distracted or influenced by disruptive voices but focus instead on ensuring that the people know of the party’s achievements.
“We must not dance to the tune of others. Let them beat their own drum.
“Umno’s tune is far more meaningful. Let the people know what we have done and ensure our beat is to the tune of ensuring the best for our religion, race and country,” he said, adding that the role of Umno federal ministers and state government leaders was proof of how the party embodied its principles.
This includes Umno’s role in deferring the Urban Renewal Bill, spurring domestic investments and also protecting the country’s sovereignty on the global stage, he said.
“We cannot control anyone but ourselves. Only we can protect, chart and lead our own party.”
In his speech, Asyraf Wajdi paid tribute to the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin for their contributions to the party.
He said the two men were leaders who did not turn their backs on the party in the face of adversity.
“These two stood by and defended the party through their loyalty,” he told delegates.
Abdullah, who was Malaysia’s fifth prime minister and former Umno president, died in April last year. He was 85.
Last month, Sabah Umno leader Bung Moktar died at the age of 66 after he was hospitalised for kidney and lung complications.
