An Umno delegate suggested turning on the charms to win back the hearts and minds of the people, similar to sweeping a woman off her feet.

umno 2009 agm 260309 02 Federal Territory delegate Mohd Shafie Abdullah said Umno must imagine the people as a woman who is to be wooed into marriage.

"Remember how we tried to entice our wives when we wanted to marry? First rule, is to know what she likes. Show her we care, always be close with her.

"We must continue to approach her. And this is the basis of closing ranks with the people again," he said, drawing laughter and applause from those present.

Mohd Shafie said Umno is faced with a momentous challenge in terms of winning the hearts of urban Malay voters, the youth as well as the Indians and Chinese.

"These three groups are starting to lose faith in us and when we are weak, many Malays become worried.

"There is a big possibility that if we do not revive our spirit, the Malays may no longer be bold enough to fly the Umno flag," he added.

'Good product, but not marketed'

According to Mohd Shafie, Umno is now seen as an elitist party and this has caused concern among kampung folks.

He said most of the programmes organised by Umno only focuses on the participation of branch members.

"These programmes must actually focus on the entire community at the respective branches," he said, adding that "Umno is a good product, but we do not market it."

"We depend on the leaders only. We should be continuously doing it (promoting the party) at the branch and division levels," he explained.

muhyiddin hishamuddin zahid shafie deputy vice presdient umno 2009 victory 270309 06 Mohd Shafie also called on the newly elected Umno leaders to work hard towards ensuring victory for Barisan Nasional in April 7's three by-elections so that a defeat will not be exploited by the opposition parties.

"If BN loses again, the opposition will use this an excuse to tell the people that the new leaders of Umno are not accepted by the people," he said.