KUALA LUMPUR: Malay unity will be crucial to Umno’s recovery as the party prepares its strategy for the 16th General Election (GE16), say party leaders.
Negri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had given the party an important mandate to prepare for the challenges ahead, including strengthening Malay unity.
“It is not just about the Melaka election (which is expected to be held soon), but also what lies ahead, including the next general election,” he said after a closed-door presidential briefing before the start of the party’s general assembly.
Negri Sembilan Umno committee member Datuk Shamsulkahar Mohd Deli said Malay unity was among the key issues raised during the presidential briefing.
“This is the right time for us to unite the ummah. We have seen this in Negri Sembilan, and it has been successful.
“Complete and holistic unity among the ummah will further strengthen the political position of the Malays,” he said.
However, Shamsulkahar said that this did not mean infringing on the rights of other races.
“We will never sideline others. What is important now is to unite the Malays,” he said.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the president had reminded party members that its victories in Johor and Negri Sembilan did not guarantee continued success.
“We were told not to be complacent but to continue working hard and convincing the rakyat that Barisan Nasional has learnt from its experiences while continuing to address the coalition’s weaknesses.
“All our future candidates were also told to take heed of this in an effort to ensure that Umno and Barisan continue to earn the people’s trust,” he said.
Fellow vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin echoed Johari, saying Ahmad Zahid had urged members not to become too comfortable following the party’s recent state election victories.
“While we are thankful for our victories, we were told to continue strengthening the party so that we can retain the people’s trust.”
Hang Tuah Jaya Umno division chief Datuk Ridhwan Mohd Ali said the president had also reminded party members to stay close to the people.
He said strengthening Malay unity was another important aspect that must be prioritised.
“We were given words of encouragement as there is a high chance the Melaka election will be next.”
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the briefing also focused on the need for leaders to close ranks and face an increasingly dynamic political landscape.
“We believe that the assembly is the right platform for all leaders to respond to the various questions raised,” he said.
