Melaka Umno will propose the setting up of virtual Umno branches to attract the young and professionals into the party struggle, and as voters of BN.

Melaka Umno Liaison Committee chairman and Chief Minister Idris Haron said the branches must have at least 100 members each who would give an assurance they would vote for BN in the general election.

"We are targeting the memberships of the branches from among college and university students who are eligible to vote but who cannot join a non-virtual branch due to some reasons," he told reporters after the Umno Tangga Batu delegates meeting at the Sungai Udang Prison Complex today.

The function was opened by Deputy Finance Minister, and also party information chief Ahmad Maslan. Also present was former Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam.

According to Idris, the Tangga Batu Umno division which he headed, for example, had many colleges, and as such, the proposal could be realised after getting the green light from the Umno Central Management Committee.

"We also don't want those who were disappointed at not being able to join Umno branches to run off and support the opposition," he said.

'Wow' factor

Ahmad said the proposal to set up the virtual Umno branch would be studied after the party had received a letter on the proposal from Melaka Umno.

"Personally, I think the proposal has a ‘wow’ factor to help the party and government," he said.

Meanwhile, he said party members stood firmly with president and Prime Minister Najib Razak at criticisms by former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad which were levelled at the administration of Najib.

"My duty as information chief is to explain the criticisms by Mahathir, and the clarifications must be made without tarnishing him (Mahathir) whom we have great respect as our statesman," he said.

Among the issues raised by Mahathir were the Economic Transformation Programme, Government Transformation Programme, 1Malaysia People's Aid and the abolition of the Internal Security Act.

- Bernama