PETALING JAYA – Repercussions will befall Umno if the party fails to complete its main political objective of championing the unity government, warned deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad said this is because Umno became “the answer” that ended the nation’s political instability after last year’s general election.
Should the party fail to uphold its performance as the government, he said it could disappoint the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and cause ire among the people.
“Imagine the implications for Umno if we waste this opportunity and instead become a problem for the unity government,” Mohamad said during his opening speech at the 2023 Umno general assembly yesterday.
“Who else will trust Umno after this if we cannot lead this government to success?
“We have no choice, our performance as the government will decide whether we can be trusted in the upcoming general election.
“We must use this unique opportunity to differentiate Umno from other political parties,” he added.
Mohamad, who is also the defence minister, said working under the unity government could open up more opportunities for a more progressive approach to governance.
“For years, Umno has been used to the political understanding of ‘to rule’. Now, it is ‘to unite and to govern’.
“Umno must explore this new, more progressive path with a modern and contemporary approach,” he said.
To fortify Umno for the upcoming years, Mohamad suggested the timeliness of entrusting the party’s future to the younger generation in a more serious and planned manner.
He added that the party needs to garner more women voters and members, as well as update its Malay agenda with current times.
Party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi similarly said the party is no longer dominant in the Malaysian political scene and emphasised the need for increased efforts to win in the approaching state elections. – The Vibes, June 8, 2023
