‘I’M VERY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT OUR CHANCES’

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman says Umno and Barisan Nasional have been working hard on the ground to meet the people’s needs. He speaks to ROSLI ZAKARIA on the efforts in place and how Umno will never turn its back on the pe

Question: Since the last general election, people have been experiencing economic constraints due to a multitude of factors. How has Umno dealt with economic issues to ensure continued support from the grassroots?

Answer: Umno’s existence is and will always be about the rakyat and for the rakyat. Umno was born from the grassroots. It is, therefore, politically suicidal if Umno were to ever decide to turn its back on the rakyat. And I believe it will not happen. This is my first point.

Secondly, we have had very strong support from rural-based, grassroots Malays.

Thirdly, the party leadership has never been in a state of denial. This is an important first step towards solving the issue. We acknowledge that there are some issues that need to be addressed quickly, and we came forward with multiple rakyat-centric programmes and initiatives.

Fourthly, it is also important to highlight the fact that the Barisan Nasional-led government listens to the rakyat and we duly respond.

The recent tabling of the 2018 Budget by the prime minister, who is also Umno president, is a very good illustration of how the four points above come into play. You can really see the specific segments of society being microtargeted to receive various forms of assistance and benefits outlined in the 2018 Budget.

We can only hope that beneficiaries of the government initiatives will reciprocate by continuing to support Umno.

Q: What is your view on Umno’s rival Pas, or challenges posed by the Pakatan Harapan pact, especially by its main coalition members Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM)?

A: We do not underestimate the opposition, be it Pas, PAN or PPBM. But, I believe Umno in Terengganu should focus more on its strengths and core competencies, instead of dwelling on the possible weaknesses of the highly fragile opposition pact.

Let’s face it. If the opposition cannot even decide collectively on a common logo, how can you expect them to ever run the country and come up with common policies on various issues affecting multireligious and multiracial Malaysia?

Coming back to Terengganu, yes, we really need to be focused. We must continue highlighting our strengths and what we do best, which is to serve the rakyat.

These include a proven track record in bringing development that contributes towards the wellbeing of the rakyat. We must also focus on building more Terengganu success stories, which are numerous and rakyat-driven.

Our message is that Terengganu is on the right track, or according to the locals, “Terengganu molek doh!”

Q: What are the main issues of discontentment among voters and the steps taken by Umno to resolve them?

A: We have conducted several studies and held labs with the rakyat in all eight districts. The studies were done to find out precisely what the rakyat believe are important issues that require our immediate attention.

The labs are part of the state budget formulation process. We have held labs every year since I became menteri besar in 2014. I strongly believe in the principle of inclusiveness.

To make a long story short, we notice time and again that three main issues are of utmost concern among the rakyat: rising cost of living, employment opportunities and housing.

In response to feedback, we have introduced many touchpoint projects and programmes, particularly for the B40 (bottom 40 per cent). We have been doing this consistently since I became menteri besar, and not just because the general election is drawing near.

Q: Is the Umno machinery better prepared this time for the general election?

A: Yes, we are well-prepared to battle. We certainly want to score more than 17 seats won in the last election. I used to joke that even if we win one extra seat, it is an improvement.

Our preparation is detailed. A lot of attention is given to “process” and “numbers”.

Q: Umno seems to have adopted a more personal approach to reach the voters.

A: According to a study, people make decisions based on emotions. So, it is important that we engage with people, and through this engagement, try to win their hearts and minds.

And, we need to be able to address different voter segments. The young voters, women voters, first-time voters, old guard, rural folk, urban dwellers — each of these segments has different priorities, wants and needs.

This is what we are doing and what we will continue to do. It takes time, but so far, based on feedback and studies, this method is paying off. I am very optimistic about our chances of winning.