Umno division leaders told to close ranks, prep for GE

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin urged Umno party leaders to close ranks at divisional levels to prepare for the next general election.

Muhyiddin, who officiated the Umno Petaling Jaya Utara division meeting today, said although there has been positive changes in public sentiment towards the party, it should not be complacent as problems pertaining to communication still exist at division and branch levels.

He added that although there is talk that the general election is imminent, he didn't know when it would be called as the decision lied solely with the Prime Minister, Najib Abdul Razak.

"I am not giving any signals that it is near but we have to be prepared as it can be called anytime," he said.

The deputy prime minister added that after scouting the ground, he felt there were minor glitches at some divisions and branches that need to be addressed.

He reiterated it was vital to address problems highlighted because the grassroots machinery was needed during elections, adding that it was most important to strengthen the party's position and gain support from the people.

He said BN had shaped the government based on power sharing and although the Petaling Jaya Utara parliamentary seat was lost by MCA to DAP, all in BN would work hard to regain it.

"This is not a new formula. In general elections, we all work together with other component parties to ensure victory so we can form the government," said Muhyiddin.

He also urged the division leaders to work hard to wrest Selangor back from the opposition after losing it for first time during the March 2008 general election.