UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan insisted that UMNO will rise again after he unveiled five new directions that he said will enable the party to move forward.
The party is going through a series of hiatuses, with the firing of members who served for a long time as members of Parliament and ministers, as well as the suspension of some top elements from the party.
To make a comeback, Ahmad said the party will follow the direction set by UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his policy speech at the 2022 UMNO General Assembly (PAU).
He said in a statement that the leadership is aware that the party members need to change their attitude and thinking process as well as review the political landscape of the country.
The five points in the new direction for UMNO are as follows:
- To establish strategic cooperation, the party must create an understanding with other political parties and non-governmental organizations. This will help the party adapt to the new political reality.
- To bring fresh ideas and effective cadres, the party must change its mindset and prioritise the needs of the people.
- To ensure the party does not fall behind in terms of communication technology, the party must invest in current and future technologies, including using technology as a delivery channel beyond traditional social media platforms.
- To improve the party’s internal workings, the party must rely on data and analytics at all levels of the party structure, taking into account voter demographics, psychographics, and the study of personality, values, opinions, attitudes, interests, and lifestyles.
- In order to rejuvenate the party, new faces must be brought to the forefront, and efforts must continue to improve the quality of members and develop their potential to lead the party and the country.
Meanwhile, an UMNO Youth exco has resigned from his party posts, saying he can’t serve a party run by irresponsible people.
Datuk Muhamad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin announced his resignation as Umno Youth exco member and head of the Party’s Lembah Pantai division with immediate effect. He said an official letter on the matter will be submitted to the UMNO leadership this week.
He emphasised that it is useless for him as a young person to continue to be in the UMNO party because he claims that the party is led by irresponsible individuals.
“UMNO is now dead with democracy, and the MKT (Supreme Working Council) leadership are now the most cowardly leaders in UMNO history. I will submit my official letter of resignation within this week.
“There is no use for young people like me and others to fight for the struggle of our religious ancestors, but they are led by those who are not responsible,” he said in a statement. — Jan 28, 2023
