3 approaches to ensure victory

MARANG: Umno will adopt three approaches which it hopes will promise a more convincing victory in the 14th General Election.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the approaches were to retain seats it won in the last election, regain all the seats it lost to the opposition and win persuadable voters’ support.

Speaking to some 15,000 people during the Jalinan Rakyat Plus (JR Plus), or the people’s gathering, in Kampung Gelugor here, he said JR Plus would help Umno ensure that it could implement these approaches and achieve victory in the upcoming election.

“JR Plus is set to become Umno’s main election machinery. It is a way for us to get closer to voters and address their needs.

“Retaining all seats won in the last election is as important as seizing back seats lost in past general elections.

“By getting closer to the people and catering to their needs, we are convinced of our ability to retain and regain the seats.”

Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman and Marang Umno division chief A. Latif Awang.

Zahid said persuadable voters referred to those in Umno who cast protest votes because they did not have a chance to contest in previous general elections, or they were not given any posts in the local authorities, village development and security committees.

He said Umno’s main enemy was external and the party could not afford to be sabotaged by its own members.

“We can’t afford to ignore their needs. They are our main target, too, in the next election. This is because the only way for Umno to be strong is to ensure that all members are united.”