KUALA LUMPUR – Umno information chief Datuk Azalina Othman Said has called for an end to finger-pointing, urging members to instead intensify efforts to ensure that the party’s objective to progress through unity is achieved.
She said the state elections were a true test for the federal unity government, which was only formed eight months ago.
“Despite being political foes all this while, the pact has since been successful and had recently averted the ‘green wave’ in the state elections,” she said in a statement.
However, the law minister said certain steps are needed, which include stepping up on the selection of candidates, the election machinery, policies and campaigns.
“These need to be done in preparation for the 16th general election, as early preparations would benefit all members at all levels and foster a stronger understanding,” she said.
Azalina pointed out that the unity government managed to clinch 49.58% of 3,399,472 of the votes in six states, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) trailed by 17,000 votes.
“Decades of political differences were set aside, especially at the grassroots level, and we managed to obtain positive results.
“However, there is still plenty of fine-tuning to be done, and we need to work together to achieve this,” she said.
She said it is pointless to shift blame among each other, stressing that all members need to work in the same direction towards the aspirations of unity.
“BN was earlier not part of the state government in the PH-controlled states of Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan, but has now become part of it.
“For this, we would like to thank all voters for having faith in the unity government,” she said.
Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan remained under the unity pact while Kedah, Kelantan and Kedah remained under PN.
“We are taking into consideration all feedback on BN having to improve its performance, approach and implementation of service to the people,” she added. – The Vibes, August 14, 2023
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