KUALA LUMPUR: Calling on Umno leadership to pursue its struggle with greater resolve, the party’s Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings reiterated their commitment to continue being brave and vocal in championing Umno’s causes.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the wing does not consist of yes men and will continue being vocal out of love for the party.
“People always say I am picking a fight with the president as our views often differ. But I want to make this known; it is always the naughtiest child that loves their father the most.
“If we truly support our president and party, we must tell him what is being felt by the grassroots and the rakyat,” he said when winding up debates at the Umno annual general assembly.
Dr Muhammad Akmal said Umno cannot afford to only speak about strengthening without taking the necessary measures internally.
After two losses in general elections, the party can no longer have denial syndrome, he added.
“We need to ask ourselves if we are truly echoing what the rakyat feels and making their views heard.
“This is a painful conversation, but one that is necessary to ensure our party not only strengthens but stands at the top of the podium,” he said.
Wanita chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said Umno should no longer cling to nostalgia but instead face the reality of politics.
“Voters are not easily swayed by political rhetoric, but they want to see opportunities and what the party can offer in the future.
“Now is not the time to play up sentiment but to display our performance.
“Following calls to be more present on social media platforms, the movement will form a special digital taskforce to increase the online presence of the party.
“We will establish a digital squad to serve as the party’s front line to face the war in the cyber world,” she said.
Telling Umno that it should focus on its own survival, Puteri chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi said Umno must be ready to go solo in Johor and Melaka polls.
“We can be friends with anyone, we can cooperate with anyone, but Umno must never fade, disappear or be sidelined.
“Although we are in government today, but when it comes to elections, Umno must be ready to stand on its own,” she said.
She cited the Sabah elections as a clear model for the party, one that is principled and based on its own strength.
Nurul Amal said Umno should look into several options in terms of cooperation, including working together at the federal level, but also look into different approaches at the state level.
