‘ASSEMBLY VITAL TO GE14 PREPARATION’

Hisham tells members to put other matters on back burner and focus on winning polls

THE 71st Umno General Assembly will be a critical platform for party members to gear up for the 14th General Election.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the party’s more than three million members must put other matters on the back burner to prepare for the polls.

He said it was undeniable that the election, which would determine Umno’s future, presented huge challenges, hence the assembly must be used to discuss efforts to ensure that Umno-led Barisan Nasional retained the mandate that it had been entrusted with for decades.

“Everything depends on the general election. There is no point in winning high positions in the party if Umno is not given the mandate by the rakyat. Leaders in areas that we have lost can attest to this.”

He cautioned the party’s grassroots leaders against focusing on securing posts at the expense of preparing for the election.

“We should not be so eager to fight for party positions that we disregard our responsibilities to ensure Umno wins the election.

“This is our priority, and no one should bring up the party’s internal problems in the near future.

“We have never stopped them from doing so in the past years, but as the election is nearing, put your personal interest aside and focus on the party,” he said during an interview on TV3’s Soal

Jawab programme.

He told Umno leaders holding positions at the division, state and Supreme Council levels that they had two options: “surrender and leave it to fate” or “rise with confidence that the party will remain reliable and will not only safeguard their fate, but also their grandchildren’s”.

“They have to go to the ground, check their ego, forget personal interests and cast aside issues they may have with anyone. The party is the most important and it supersedes everything.”

He said Umno was a democratic and inclusive party, and its track record proved its capabilities in honouring its promises.

He said BN should use the strong bond between component parties to win the support of people of different races and religions.

“I had a discussion with MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong and MIC vice-president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, who is also Dewan Negara speaker, on how we can use our strong bond to be more inclusive.

“I am not worried about losing... I am more worried about winning without the support of others.

“A common direction and desire can give hope to the younger generation, regardless of race or religion.”

The assembly will be held from Dec 5 to 9.

issue, especially the alternative media, to make us look as if we have done nothing, even though BN and Umno have been giving their best. Q: Does this mean that whatever suggestions presented will be deliberated on?

A:

The fight is continuous. If the party does not fight for the people, then it will face the music. Whether we like it or not, we have to understand the hopes of others, either the youngsters or those who feel neglected. These are the things that leaders in every country cannot deny. Developed and developing countries are dealing with the cost-of-living issue. It is not unique to Malaysia. I am not trying to make light of the issue, but this is a phenomenon, and those who love to point fingers... what alternative do they have? It is easy to point fingers, but can they provide us with an alternative budget? If not, they should just keep quiet. Q: Some feel the party’s focus on Muslims and Malays is discriminatory. Your comment?

A:

We stand by the concept. We are positive and constructive in our struggles, and that should be made known to the public. We have to accept the fact that there are groups who are extreme and they can’t accept our opinion. These group of people should not be left aside. We should reach out to them without neglecting the bigger group of people. This is the role

wasatiyyah of the party and its leaders. We focus on the majority because they are the ones who will decide our country’s stability, unity and children’s future. If the “bad” ones fail to influence the majority, their plan will not succeed. That is why, for me, what is most important is for the party to reach out to the grassroots. This is the method we use to convince the majority. Q:There are proposals for the top two positions in Umno to be uncontested in next year’s party polls. Your comment?

A:

The members are open to bringing up any issue, and I find that a few have suggested that the top two positions — president and deputy president — be left uncontested. I agree with this, because what is even more important is to maintain solidarity. I am also tired of people trying to pit Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi against me or him against the prime minister. I think enough is enough. There are other posts that can be contested. Q: How can Umno strengthen BN component parties?

A:

There is no point if we are the only ones prepared for the general election because we are all in the same ship. We need the support and cooperation from other component parties because winning the hearts of Malay voters is not enough in ensuring the country’s continued development and gaining respect. This is what party founder Datuk Onn Jaafar realised when we fought for our independence. We will know whether their (component parties’) efforts are enough and whether they meet the expectations of the people if we are not punished by the people. The people want someone who represents the rakyat. They may not look at your skin colour, but at your service to others. We have proven that we are capable, and we will do that again in the next general election. Q: On fence sitters. A:

I am worried about voters who are under the radar and first-time voters. This is where our Wanita wing can engage them. What we promised in our manifesto and how we delivered in our budget should be told to all. We have to make sure our supporters do not take things for granted and perform their duty to vote. All these preparations should be done from now. Q: What would be your message to Umno members?

A:

Focus on the general election. Everyone should realise that the 14th General Election is one of the most challenging ones, but I also believe in the strength we have and everyone’s hard work. We have to realise that the survival of the party is at stake, and I hope everyone gives his or her utmost focus to GE14 and support those who are chosen as candidates.