KUALA LUMPUR: Umno’s top leaders have backed the president’s push for the party to become a unifying force among Malay-based parties, with a strategic and meaningful rebrand ahead of the 16th General Election.
Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the party has the ability to unite Malay parties and leaders, noting how most were “born” from Umno.
“Many political parties were born from Umno itself, including Semangat 46, Bersatu, and even PKR to a certain extent.
“In that sense, Umno is the backbone. But when we lost in previous elections, many decided to leave.
“While we are not in the driving seat today, the president recognises that the party has the ability to unite all,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the Umno annual general assembly here yesterday.
Azalina also said that the move to welcome former Umno leaders back to the party could create a unified Malay voice, but without political rhetoric.
Separately, she said that the party cannot use a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to its communication strategies.
“Perspectives in states like Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are completely different from Johor or Pahang, for example.
“The party recognises and will work to improve this,” she said.
In his address earlier, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party would open its doors to former leaders who were “born and raised” under its roof.
A house unification committee will be established to receive the entry or re-entry of any party, whether individually or collectively (en bloc), he said.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said it is time for Umno to undergo meaningful changes and embrace new ways in order to remain relevant to the public.
“The president’s speech has injected fresh hope to the party, with emphasis placed on unity not only within Umno but he also stressed that any Malay-based political parties that wish to work with Umno must be prepared to seek meaningful change within itself.
“This is especially important given that the country has been independent for 68 years and the expectations of the Malay community in particular have changed significantly.”
He said that Umno must also take into account the views of the younger generation.
“If we fail to do so, Umno will remain in its current state,” he said.
Johari expressed hope that the delegates would discuss these matters rationally and offer constructive views following the president’s policy speech.
“This is so that Umno can open up to new ways of thinking,” Johari said.
He said that Umno’s transformation could start with identifying and giving opportunities to new talent to move forward with the party.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin also welcomed the president’s policy speech, saying that it had brought a new dimension to the party’s struggle.
“The president said that the party’s door is wide open for all to come together based on the principle of Islam and Malay unity.
“This is a positive sign, and with the explanation provided, it provides a good direction and we don’t have to unite under Muafakat Nasional but just unite under Umno,” he said.
