KUALA LUMPUR: While Umno’s recent election victories show it remains a political force, its resurgence has also drawn attention from both friends and foes, says a delegate.
Perak delegate Muhammad Iqbal Jamal Jamaluddin said Umno’s successful outing in Johor and Negri Sembilan signalled that the party had regained the people’s confidence.
“However, as we achieve success after success, Umno’s resurgence is beginning to be watched closely. Umno is becoming a political threat to both friends and foes.
“Every action has a reaction. That is why today, we are facing unfavourable circumstances and rather unpleasant political pressure,” he said when debating the presidential address.
Muhammad Iqbal urged party members not to react hastily, but to face such situations calmly and with wisdom.
Perlis delegate Datuk Dr Fathul Bari Mat Jahya said the party must adopt greater flexibility and tolerance in navigating political differences.
He said this was also part of the concept of “tafahum”, or political understanding, highlighted by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his policy speech.
“When we discuss, negotiate and have dialogue, not everything can be done according to what we want. That is why there must be tolerance, flexibility and togetherness,” he said.
Fathul Bari said political differences should be handled through discussion and negotiation.
Representing Puteri Umno, Nadhirah Afiqah Abdul Rahim said the party must give young voters a reason to trust it, instead of simply expecting their support.
She said there was no magic formula for winning over younger voters.
“If we want them to understand us better, we, too, must understand what they need,” she said.
Meanwhile, it has been proposed that the party’s overseas clubs serve as a community-based emergency response network for Malaysians abroad.
Newcastle branch chairman Muhammad Amir Ikram Mohd Fadil said the clubs could serve as a link between Malaysian embassies and communities.
“This is not about taking over the role of the embassies. We are there, and when an emergency happens, we want to quickly identify who needs help.
“The embassies can identify where people are and provide assistance, but the community can ensure that no one is left behind.
“This is where the club can play a role because, for us, being far from home should not mean being left alone,” he said.
