Mohamad and Ismail have what it takes, say members

PETALING JAYA: Umno leaders and members outside the administrative capital believe that the new partnership at the helm has what it takes to revitalise the party, but have stressed that they need the support of everyone.

Pahang Umno leaders are backing Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who are carrying out the duties of president and deputy, respectively, after Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced he was stepping aside as president earlier this week.

In KUANTAN, Temerloh Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said Mohamad and Ismail Sabri had skills that complemented each other.

“Mohamad has a corporate background and vast experience in government administration, while Ismail Sabri is a lawyer and a former minister who has a firm grasp of the people’s needs.

“Umno members want to see transformation and I believe this combination can come up with an innovative approach in moving the party forward,” he said.

Mohd Sharkar, who is state Tourism, Environment and Plantations Committee chairman, said the first order of business would be rallying party members so that Umno can act as an effective opposition party.

Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail believes Ismail Sabri’s elevation is suitable since he was the most senior vice-president.

“This is our formula. Whoever is the most senior will go up. I don’t think it’s a problem,” he said.

Maran Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahaniza Shamsuddin said the new leadership should first focus on correcting the party’s internal problems.

“They also have to unite the members in order to strengthen the party and regain the people’s trust,” she said.

In JOHOR BARU, while stressing his support for Mohamad and Ismail Sabri, Johor Umno chief Datuk Hasni Mohamad believes that Ahmad Zahid should not have gone on leave.

He said that any party leaders would face challenges, and if they all stepped aside when this happens, there would be no one left to lead the party.

“In fact, should there be unhappiness in the future, then the whole Umno supreme council would have to step down,” he said.

State Wanita chief Asiah Md Ariff said that she sees no problem in both Mohamad and Ismail taking over.

“We will give our full support to our leaders, but what is important is to make sure that our grassroots are taken care of.

“This is important because this is where our strength lies,” she said.

Tebrau Umno division chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang said party members and leaders should give Mohamad and Ismail a chance to win back the confidence of the rakyat, and especially voters.

“He has proven himself as the Mentri Besar of Negri Sembilan, where he is a popular figure who is seen as clean, has integrity and had no issues.

“This is what the party needs,” he said.

In GEORGE TOWN, Penang

Umno chief Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said he was confident that Mohamad Hasan and Ismail Sabri would be able to deliver.

“We hope they’ll revive Umno’s strength and spirit, not only for Penang, but nationwide,” he said.

In IPOH, supreme council member Datuk Khusari Abdul Talib said that having these two men at the helm would help ease tensions and stem the outflow of members leaving the party.

“I am confident that both Tok Mat (Mohamad) and Ismail Sabri will make Umno stronger and prepare us for the next general election.

“I believe they can also defuse attempts by some individuals who are trying to persuade party members to defect.

“I think this will no longer be the case,” said the assemblyman for Slim.

Since the May 9 general election, 17 MPs have quit the party amidst calls for Ahmad Zahid to step down.

Umno Perak chief Datuk Saarani Mohamed urged everyone to throw their support behind the new party leadership.

“Mohamad is the former Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar and he has the capabilities and experience to lead.

“Let us support them, focus on strengthening the party, work hard and win back support to take on GE15,” he said.

Saarani added that Ahmad Zahid’s decision to step aside should be taken positively.

“It was done peacefully and without internal conflict.

“We can now continue our effort to rejuvenate and rebuild the party,” he said.

In SEREMBAN, Negri Sembilan Umno leaders reiterated Mohamad’s vast experience and credentials, having served three terms as Mentri Besar.

But they added that the 62-yearold former banker is going to need the support of every member.

Jelebu Umno division chief Datuk Jalaluddin Alias said Mohamad would have to quickly come up with a roadmap to restore members’ confidence in the party.

“As we all know, Tok Mat is truly capable, but he will have to quickly come up with a tangible plan to rejuvenate Umno.

“He did very well when leading the party in Negri Sembilan, but heading the party at the highest level is going to be a different ballgame altogether, what more with the current state of the party,” said Jalaluddin, the MP for Jelebu.

Jempol Umno chief Datuk Mohd Salim Sharif hoped that Mohamad would be able to rebrand the party.

“We hope he will be able to come up with a clear and effective plan to strengthen Umno.

“This includes rejuvenating the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings,” he said.

Mohd Salim, who is also Jempol MP, said Barisan Nasional’s voters need an assurance that Umno was still relevant, and this is where Mohamad has his work cut out for him.

Rasah Umno division chief and three-term Labu assemblyman Datuk Hasim Rusdi said Mohamad had a mammoth task before him because Umno faces many problems as an opposition party.

“The past few weeks have been a very trying time for Umno, and I am certain we are going to face many more challenges.

“There are many different characters amongst us and these are the people the acting president will have to deal with as he works to strengthen the party,” said Hasim.

Tampin Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa also expressed his confidence in Mohamad, with the caveat that members must throw their support behind the acting president.

Jeram Padang assemblyman Datuk L. Manickam, while describing Mohamad as the right man to assume the acting presidency, said it was even more important for Umno to rejuvenate itself because it was the “backbone” of the Barisan coalition.

“He has done so much for a small state like Negri Sembilan, and started many big things, such as the Malaysian Vision Valley development.

“I believe he would be able to lead Umno back to its glory days,” said the former state MIC chief.

There are many different characters amongst us and these are the people the deputy president have to deal with as he works to strength the party. Datuk Hasim Rusdi