‘Community programmes, volunteer service among responsibilities of Umno’
KOTA KINABALU: Community programmes and volunteer service are among the responsibilities of Umno and they are not merely carried out as preparation for facing elections.
Umno Sabah liaison chief Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin stressed that community work with the people especially in visiting those affected by misfortune, illness, or death has been ingrained in the party.
“This practice has long been carried out by us without any seasonal considerations, regardless of political beliefs. Through this visiting programme, we aim to be a political party that is always close to the hearts of the people,” he said after visiting several villagers in Lamag recently.
Bung Moktar who is also Umno Kinabatangan chief urged all of the party’s divisions in the state to consistently go down to the ground and meet the rakyat as this activity can strengthen the party leadership’s relationship with voters at the grassroots level.
He said that Umno Sabah leadership in all divisions must play an active role in the success of community programmes if they do not want the party to be perceived as a seasonal party that is only active during election periods.
According to Bung Moktar,
Umno has always been known as a party that consistently looks after the welfare of the people, especially those in rural areas who are less fortunate and less privileged.
“Through these visitation programmes, we can delve into the issues faced by the people and voice them to the relevant authorities. Even though at the state level we do not hold governing power, it is not an excuse for Umno leaders and members not to continue their efforts in serving the people,” he said.
Bung Moktar added that governmental authority is not a prerequisite for contributing to those in need.