Dynamic duo: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (left) sharing a light moment with Mohamad during the closed-door presidential briefing.
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno’s victory in Nenggiri, albeit sweet, does not reflect the party’s resurgence, cautions deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said Umno’s position in the unity government should not sway it from restoring the Malays’ confidence in the party.
“Our success in Nenggiri is just the beginning of a long, arduous and challenging journey towards rebuilding the party.
“The fact is, it is not clear whether the Malays have returned to fully support Umno,” he said at the opening of the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings last night.
Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, drew the delegates’ attention to Umno’s position in the federal administration, pointing out that the party was not in complete control but rather played a complementary role in the unity government.
“Our responsibility to return confidence to Umno must be an ongoing effort that should not stop merely because we are part of the government,” he added.
“What is certain is that the road to winning the hearts and minds of the Malays will not be easy. It will take time, but this is what struggle is all about.
“For us to win back the trust, the most crucial strategy is for the party to have a united front.
“Umno must be solid; its members must remain steadfast and loyal. The Malays’ confidence towards the party will return if they see us strong as one,” he said.
The Umno deputy president also cautioned the delegates about the dangers of toxic politics, emphasising that social media has become a platform for the manifestation of this type of politics.
“From my observation, mature and courteous ways of politicking among the Malays have died.
“Toxic politics have destroyed values and idealism.
“We must fight toxic politics. The Malays must be made to realise that such a brand of politics will make us unwise and untruthful,” he said.
Stating that Umno’s future depends on how effective the fight against toxic politics is, Mohamad reminded party members that hate and degrading speeches do not reflect the moral standing of the party.
He also said that the country was not spared from the Gen Z revolution, which had befallen several countries.
Failure to manage the aspiration of this group of young voters would result in a difficult election outcome for Umno in the next general election, he added.
“This group has no sentimental attachment to Umno, as they grew up in an era where our party is no longer dominant in national politics,” he said.
He added that this is where the youth and Puteri wings must find solutions to the challenges brought about by Gen Z voters and win them over.
On the 16th General Election, Mohamad said that although the national polls is three years away, Umno had to prepare from now if it want voters to return to the party.
He proposed the establishment of “Team Sukses Umno” to provide full-time attention to electoral matters.
“Umno must not adopt a wartime strategy but rather must function as a business entity.
“The change in strategy is crucial as we want voters to buy the Umno brand again,” he added.
Also present were Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, Wanita chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, and Puteri chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi.
