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KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s abysmal performance in the recent general election can be largely attributed to an effective smear campaign centred around Perikatan Nasional’s “toxic content” on social media, said the party’s deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
In a sobering speech delivered during the launch of the party’s annual general assemblies (AGMs) for the party’s Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings tonight, Mohamad also lamented that Umno had failed to address slander and hateful sentiments towards the party on all social media platforms.
“On the eve of the election, our enemies have engaged in an intense cognitive war.
“Their motive was to influence the way of thinking and change the confidence of the people, especially with the Malay community, that Umno is no longer fit to lead them.
“Day by day, this sentiment has become a belief and the people are now convinced that Umno is synonymous with everything that is wrong in politics.
“This is what Perikatan Nasional has done effectively by influencing the youth and social media users through platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, by launching a war with toxic content that urged the Malays to hate and leave Umno,” he told thousands of party delegates gathered at the World Trade Centre this evening.
Mohamad said PN’s “cognitive war” has been effective as Umno did not win a single seat in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perlis while suffering embarrassing setbacks in Perak, Kedah, and other states.
Similarly, Mohamad also urged party members to remain steadfast against money politics, a message he had often reiterated at each AGM since assuming the deputy president post in 2018.
“Money politics have entrapped Umno in its current state. It has led the party to defeat and turn us weak and brittle.
“So, to all Umno members, please understand that money politics is a despicable and heinous act in the eyes our religion and culture,” he said.
Mohamad also called for Umno to be a “learning political party” that is able to appreciate new ideas and solutions from all perspectives and communities.
“The political struggle of the 21st century is based on good policymaking, competent leaders and modern institutions.
“Umno’s approach post the 15th general election must be data-driven and utilising modern solutions,” he said. – The Vibes, January 11, 2023
