The Sun (Malaysia)

Umno is the backbone of Barisan Nasional (BN). It serves everyone and all races no matter whether they are rich or poor.

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A: It is natural for human beings to turn their heads to things that are new ... like cars, houses, clothing, and even younger people. At 71, it is a challenge to maintain our attractive­ness. However, I don’t agree with the perception that the Malays are more divided now. The divisions are mainly caused by some discontent­ed quarters, and the birth of new parties are also attributed to this. But we managed to convince them to stay with us. We have done a lot to stay relevant and attractive, but each time we did something, we realised that a lot more needed to be done.

Q: Do you think Umno members are A: Umno members are loyal to the party and its struggle. At the earlier stage of Mahathir’s departure, some members were a bit confused as to what was going on and what is going to happen. That is understand­able. We carried out endless engagement­s with members at all levels. We countered Mahathir’s allegation­s. It worked. And it’s a fact that being at the helm for too long makes you look like a king, and everything seems right to the supporters. Malaysians should realise this. True enough, they are accepting the fact that his era is over.

Q: Umno has been accused of neglecting the poor, and is now seen by some as a party of the rich and elite or the

Q: The New Economic Policy (NEP), largely seen as the

SEE

 ??  ?? – Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
– Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

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