‘Youth will decide next general election’s results’
Question: Do you agree that the 14th General Election is the best time for Barisan Nasional to capture Kelantan as former Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has died and most of Pas’s professionals have left the party to join Parti Amanah Negara (PAN)?
Answer: It may be true if you look at it from one angle, but we cannot be complacent. We must work hard and be ready. The result of the general election will be decided by the younger generation, who, at times, vote according to the situation on the ground, and we must be prepared at all times to handle them.
Question: Will the results of the coming election in the state sway towards the opposition, with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) jumping into the mix? Answer: I have high regards for PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed and president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin). However, at the Kelantan level, the former Umno leaders who have joined the party (PPBM) are those who have dropped out of mainstream politics and did not contribute much to Umno when they were members. Their absence will not be felt much by the party (Umno). I am confident that the majority of Umno supporters will vote for us in the case of three or four-cornered contests. At the same time, Pas also has to contend with its splinter party, PAN.
Question: According to observers, the present line-up of state Umno leadership, led by Kelantan Umno chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, is not aggressive A model of a programme has enough to defeat Pas. Do you agree with this assessment?
Answer: I feel that we have a good line-up. Tok Pa’s leadership is recognised at the national level and by party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The only thing is that he has not been given a chance to prove himself in leading the state. His softspoken style, together with his down to earth attitude, goes down well with the people.
If you mean that to be aggressive, one has to be brash and loud, especially in ceramah (speeches), I disagree. Such aggressiveness may not go down well with Kelantan voters.
Question: Focusing on issues like
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The the lack of water supply and clean water in the state and excessive logging has failed to win the hearts of voters in past elections. What issues do you think will crop up in the next general election?
Answer: Yes, it is true that issues like the lack of water supply and logging have been used in past elections and had little impact on voters. This time around, about 40 per cent of voters will be aged between 21 and 45, and we will focus on winning their support.
The younger generation wants opportunities like jobs, businesses, and affordable housing.
They will also likely be looking closely at the administration of the present Pas-led government and the welfare of the people, especially the poor and those living in rural areas.
Question: Outstation voters played a crucial role in the last election and their votes for Pas gave the party another chance at governing the state for another term. What will Umno do to address this?
Answer: The party leadership has taken steps to woo them (outstation voters) and many activities have been held to bring them closer to the party.
These voters should realise that though they return home to vote, they eventually go back to the states they live in and only go home once in a while. They should vote based on the sentiments and situation on the ground in their hometowns.
If they make the wrong choice, it is the people who live in the state who will suffer from the lack of infrastructure and development.
Most of these voters are from the younger generation who want more opportunities, including the chance to stand as candidates.
I proposed that the party’s leadership accommodate their wishes and field Umno Youth members to 30 per cent of the seats in the coming general election.