‘Let Umno matters be handled the Umno way’

Question: What are your reform plans if you are elected president?

Answer: First, I would work to ensure that Umno, which is akin to a sinking ship, is steered into safe waters.

One important step that we have taken is to fulfil the Registry of Societies requirement to carry out party polls at the wing, branch and division levels before June 30.

I will leverage the experience and ideas of Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Khairy Jamaluddin to revive the Umno spirit.

I will set up an executive advisory council comprising academicians, professionals, religious experts, youths and experts from various backgrounds. Their main goal is to give their views and advice to the top leadership on current issues.

The president’s post will also be limited to two consecutive terms to ensure that we uphold the culture of meritocracy.

In adhering to calls from Umno members, we will establish a special action committee to listen to problems faced by the grassroots and have a monthly Supreme Council meeting from one state to another without bureaucracy. We will address money politics by forming a money politics special unit and embrace a zero-warlord culture through an integrated and effective approach.

Q: What are your chances? A: Every candidate has his own strengths and weaknesses. My view is that the new Umno president should always be big-hearted and must lead by example at the highest levels.

Q: Are you confident Umno will bounce back, now that Barisan Nasional has been reduced to three parties?

A: Umno has its own history, its ups and downs over 72 years of existence. The 14th General Election is a bitter experience, but we are putting it behind and reorganising ourselves. I have urged party members to join in the warcry “RISE, RISE, RISE”.

As the acting president, I take full responsibility in these difficult circumstances.

I am not alone because we have many leaders and party members who are loyal and provide unwavering support.

Some people see BN as comprising only three component parties. But they seem to have forgotten what the coalition had achieved all this while came from the hard work of the three component members: Umno, MCA and MIC.

Umno and BN have no choice but to rise again.

Q: What is your strategy to revive Umno and BN?

A: Our political opponents want to see where Umno’s strength lies after its defeat in GE14. I am confident in saying that Umno has accepted it. We have been courageous and patient.

Many matters and events occurred in the process to save Umno.

The most important thing that people should know is that Umno was not de-registered and it had adhered to the requirements set by the Registrar of Societies in holding its meetings and election on time.

Even through thick and thin, our brothers and sisters (in Umno, MCA and MIC) looked out for us, and they always had our backs to safeguard the rights of the people.

This is the fighting spirit not many people know about or realise. It is only when times are tough that you see the true colours of your friends and enemies.

Q: Will Umno use the strategy of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party? The party faced an election defeat in 2013 after being in power since the 1950s, but it later made revolutionary changes to the party.

A: History is the best teacher when it comes to party and community matters. The problems faced by humans will always recur during different periods and times in history.

It is similar to having to look at our rear-view mirror before moving forward.

Umno is no different as throughout its 72 years, the party learns from history. We cannot deny the fact that everything in the world will not last forever.

What happened in Japan may or may not be similar (to what Umno is going through). But let Umno matters be handled in the Umno way because the party belongs to Umno members.

We have our own way of managing our own house, without denying those tips for improvement that are coming from outside the party.

My advice is simple, reflect upon yourself and find where your true principles are in good and bad times. That is my only advice as a Muslim.

Q: The party election will be held tomorrow. When will the official results be announced? A: InsyaAllah, (it will be) on Saturday night, depending on the election process, voting and meetings at 191 divisions nationwide.

The important thing is that the process is carried out well, smoothly and transparently.