Delegates must show unity, support for Najib, says Adnan
KUALA LUMPUR: With the Umno General Assembly set to kick off on Monday, Pahang Menteri Besar and state Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob reveals what can be expected from the event.
Q: With regard to the 71st Umno General Assembly, which is to be the last one before the 14th General Election (GE14), how important is the assembly to delegates?
A: The assembly can be considered extra special as it involves preparations for the polls. Delegates from all (Wanita, Puteri and Youth) wings must show unity and high spirits as these are needed for GE14. Delegates must show loyalty and undivided support to party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
At the same time, I believe that delegates from each state and wing must debate controversial issues openly while defending the president and the government.
The 2018 Budget, from my experience and since the time of first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, is the best in our country’s history.
Therefore, we have to emphasise how this is a caring budget.
Q: What do you hope delegates can learn from the general assembly to help them prepare for GE14?
A: We hope to learn more about the mandate from the party president himself. His confidence in the party will boost our motivation and spirit in facing the polls.
What is important is that the president continues to show that our government is tolerant, accepts criticism, but at the same
time, will fight back against unsubstantiated allegations.
We must keep our focus on developing Malaysia, a country made up of multiple races and religions. At the same time, we must be prepared to face issues that have embroiled the international community, such as terrorism and globalisation. Q: Will you bring up local issues (in Pahang) that might be used
by the opposition in GE14?
A: We don’t have many issues anyway in Pahang.
The No. 1 issue is cost of living. No. 2 is unemployed graduates, and No. 3 is the issue of housing.
People here are more concerned with bread-andbutter issues, such as what they can put on the table for their family, security, safety and other matters.
In Pahang, at one time, there was the (illegal mining of) bauxite issue, but now it is no longer an issue.
Once the (federal) government stepped in, the problem is almost solved.
Even (Beserah Pas assemblyman) Andansura (Rabu) once remarked how clean his constituency had become. Q: In light of the polls, how would you describe the preparedness of the party machinery in Pahang?
A: We have always been able to be fully prepared in the run-up to every polls, with our ability to set up our war rooms quickly.
The state party machinery is just waiting for the whistle to blow (from Najib). We are ready for the polls any time.
Q: It has been said that young voters make up a larger part of the electorate for GE14. What are the strategies adopted by Pahang Umno to get close to them?
A: Engagement of these young voters is crucial. Assemblymen and members of Umno divisions and branches need to get closer to them by getting to know about their concerns and their problems.
This engagement can be done through face-to-face meetings during visits to areas and partaking in events like sports.
We also need to be sensitive to their problems and solve these issues, such as securing employment. By Hidir Reduan