Umno would produce at least 20 speakers for each division nationwide in preparation for the 14th General Election (GE14), said party information chief Ahmad Maslan.

The effort would be taken soon to produce high-calibre, creative and competent echelon leaders in fighting for the party's cause while ensuring that the party remained relevant.

"I admit that we still lack speakers of calibre. So far, I think, we only have 10 such speakers and they are from the older generation.

"I hope each division's information chief and each wing's information chief in the division will strive to produce capable speakers to counter the opposition's speakers in the event of a by-election or general election," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the South Zone Umno President's Cup Oratory Contest 2015 in Malacca today.

In the competition, Mohd Raffe Madon from Jasin Umno division, Malacca, emerged the winner in the men's category and Baiha Haron from Bukit Katil division, Malacca, the winner in women's category.

The winner in the Youth/Young Ladies category was Kamarul Hairi Komeng from Labis division, Johor.

They will represent the south zone at the national-level contest to be held at the Putra World Trade Centre on Dec 8.

- Bernama

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