KUALA LUMPUR: University students do not fully understand nor hate Umno, but the party needs to improve its approach to attract young voters, says an Umno delegate.
Mohamad Amar Aidid Mohd Zain, who represented the university student delegate, said Umno can no longer hold on to merely slogans to attract younger members.
“The students nowadays do not fully hate nor are against the struggles of Umno, but they have lost their confidence in the party and do not have a place to rely on,” he said when debating the Umno president's policy speech at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here, on Saturday (Jan 17).
The Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) student proposed that Umno top leadership should hold more awareness programmes involving tertiary campuses about the party.
“The Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) 1971, which was amended, has provided the freedom for students to be more involved in politics, which gives an advantage to the group.
“But the students have yet to receive the party leaders to share and expose more about Umno,” he said.
Mohamad Amar said the student members in Umno are way behind in participating in activities when compared to other students in other political parties.
He urged the party leaders to consider making effective changes to address the matter before it is too late.
“Umnomofobia (a phobia against the party) is not a sign of hatred, but it is a sign that hope towards the party is dwindling.
"However, it can be reignited again if the party leaders come and meet and listen to the students to make better changes.
“If Umno dares to visit the campuses and listen sincerely, the students will also sincerely return to Umno,” he added.
