Wooing fence-sitters
Umno to project inclusiveness to gain more support
PETALING JAYA: Projecting Umno as an inclusive party will be a key goal at the coming assembly as it seeks to woo fence-sitters ahead of the general election.
Vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the assembly would do this by highlighting Umno’s efforts to broaden its appeal under the Political Transformation Programme, a social reform pledge by party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“We want to impress upon those outside Umno that what we offer is inclusive and able to meet the aspirations of not just our members but all Malaysians,” said Hishammuddin, who chairs Umno’s committee to vet the motions to be debated.
Aside from election preparations, the assembly will see delegates training their guns on the Opposition, which has committed a string of political blunders of late.
Many Muslims in the country are up in arms over PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar’s controversial comments on religious freedom, PAS’ unwillingness to speak out about it, as well as PAS’ ambivalence towards DAP’s objection to hudud.
The assembly will also see Umno countering intensifying accusations by Pakatan Rakyat ahead of the next general election, that the Barisan Nasional lynchpin is no longer tolerant and accommodating.
At stake is the support of an increasing number of non-partisan voters.
“Umno has its own formula so we are not apologetic on our basic struggles for the Malays and Islam,” said Hishammuddin.
“But at the same time we must not speak as if other religions are not important or that the diversity which exists in Malaysia can be something that can split us, because strength in diversity is what BN has always stood for.”
Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said how Umno was seen in protecting the interests of all Malaysians was an important part of the party’s report card.
The party, he said, needed to showcase the inclusiveness of leaders at both the top and grassroots levels, by highlighting, for example, joint activities conducted by branches and Barisan component members.
“At the party level they may represent Malay interests but at a larger national level they must be seen to represent all Malaysians.
“Umno has a dual role in that sense and if it can show that it is playing its role then the party will be able to attract fence-sitters such as urban voters,” said Prof Sivamurugan.
Critics claimed the importance of inclusiveness was something that had yet to sink in among some in the party rank and file, but Hishammuddin said widening Umno’s inclusiveness was an ongoing process that had shown clear results, like 1Malaysia and oth-