MAKING A COMEBACK IN KELANTAN
Umno, BN have more to offer, says Mustapa
AS the 14th General Election (GE14) looms on the horizon, Kelantan Umno has its own strategies to ensure it can make a comeback in the state. Its liaison committee chief, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, speaks of the party’s desire to wrest Kelantan back from the Pas-led government, as well as its expectations in the Umno General Assembly.
Question: The Umno General Assembly is around the corner. What are your expectations from the general assembly and the likelihood of GE14, which may be held early next year?
Answer: The Umno General Assembly is the last major party gathering ahead of GE14. It will be a crucial platform for members to close ranks, display full commitment and demonstrate loyalty to the leadership.
Umno must also maintain its decorum, and the statements made at the assembly must not hurt the feelings of other communities.
The principle of moderation, or “wasatiyyah”, must be upheld at all times and we need to win the hearts and minds of voters.
Umno must continue to provide sincere and consistent service to the people. This is important, as we expect to win big and regain the two-third majority in Parliament.
As for Kelantan, as the state Umno liaison chief and Kelantan Barisan Nasional chairman, we hope to win 31 state seats and at least eight parliamentary seats. Q: Has Kelantan Umno/BN identified the main issues that caused a split among voters? If there are, what steps has the party machinery taken to resolve the problem?
A: Many are jostling to be candidates and, usually, once the list of candidates is announced, there will be some left disappointed.
In the run-up to the election, I believe that there will be more fake news and false allegations, and we need to deal with them promptly.
It is important for all of us to put the party’s interests above our own. Umno will be able to realise its full potential only if we present ourselves as a united front. I believe Umno will not win big unless we close ranks. Our party machinery at all levels must demonstrate its absolute commitment. Q: In Kelantan, there is a possibility of a three-cornered fight between BN, Pas and Parti Amanah Negara. How is Kelantan Umno/BN’s preparing to face such a likelihood?
A: The three-cornered fight is highly likely not only in Kelantan, but also in many areas.
There will be a paradigm shift. As such, we need to be creative and innovative in our strategy and approach.
We aim to secure half of the popular votes in eight parliamentary seats and 31 state seats. More importantly, we have to win on our own strengths without relying on cracks among opposition members.
One day is a long time in politics and things may change in the run-up to GE14.
Q: What do the people want from BN? Do you think Kelantanese seek things other than development? Or do they seek only development?
A: People in Kelantan demand honest, sincere and committed leaders who can deliver and bring about positive changes to their lives.
We need to assure them that BN will deliver and resolve their day-to-day issues. National issues are secondary to them.
Umno believes development is relevant, but the people are seeking development-plus.
It will not only be physical development, but also spiritual development, as well as integrity and sincerity.
BN has and will continue to present itself as a viable alternative. We must convince people that we have more to offer, as opposed to the other side, which is relying on the Islamic tagline to mask its failures in meeting people’s expectations. Q: Do you think there is a possibility of BN making a comeback in Kelantan?
A: I believe the chances are good for BN. If we work as a united front, we are in the position to secure 31 state and eight parliamentary seats.
People are growing tired of the state leadership and administration, which has not been able to bring about significant changes in the last 27 years.
The split among the opposition will weaken them. Given the circumstances, this is the best time for BN to make a comeback in Kelantan.
We cannot be complacent. On the other hand, we need to work harder to make sure this once-ina-lifetime opportunity does not go to waste.
As long as we are committed to preserving party unity and accept the decision made by the leadership on the choice of candidates, BN will put up a better fight and turn things around in Kelantan.