Criticisms make Umno better – Annuar

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno needs criticisms and public opinions to continue remaining relevant and help the government and party to improve the lives of the people in the country, says its Information Chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

He said the party could not run away from criticisms and all forms of feedback from the public were always taken into account and used as stepping stones to continue improving the party.

“In briefing sessions, town hall sessions, gatherings with the people and ‘For all Tour’ programmes all these while, we close ranks with members and non-members. There, we receive many comments, criticisms and opinions and take note. We don’t run from problems.

“In fact, if there are direct telecasts of the programmes in Facebook, there will be comments from haters which I regard as good for us to accept and review. They are critical when they make comments but they are responsible,” he told reporters after attending a post-Umno Supreme Council meeting yesterday.

He said Umno could not perform monologues but on the other hand approach all quarters including those criticising the party.

Meanwhile, Annuar said Umno lauded the positive development of its membership applications going up each month with the majority of applicants from among those under the age of 40 years.

For example, he said 5,155 new applications were received for August and processed, whereby, of the total, 3,381 applicants were made online by the young.

“This development is a source of pride because it shows that the young accept Umno well. The young continue to join Umno as members although I believe still many are supporting the party without becoming official members,” he added.