Zahid eyes election victories at Umno AGM briefing

UMNO AGM | Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his general assembly briefing to all party division leaders has underscored the importance of unity when faced with political enemies in future elections.

Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani said Zahid delivered a message that unity within the party will result in victories even in constituencies that are deemed unassailable.

“Because those we oppose are all among those who ran away from Umno’s struggles. 

“Our recent (electoral) battles are all against Umno defectors. So with unity, God willing, victory will be on our side,” Johari told Malaysiakini when met after Zahid’s briefing at Dewan Merdeka, WTC Kuala Lumpur.

Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi also referenced Zahid’s message for leaders to reflect on its first by-election victory since the 15th general election - reclaiming the Nenggiri state seat previously lost to Bersatu - and how it should be translated into efforts to defend the Mahkota seat.

“His (Zahid’s) point is that now we must make adjustments to face elections based on the local political landscape.

“Umno can no longer remain static in our approach to win over voters, so we can continue to be seen as a relevant party,” said Puad, who is also Johor state assembly speaker.

Mahkota by-election

While Johor Umno and Johor BN are only scheduled to meet next week over the upcoming Mahkota by-election, Puad said Zahid had signalled a need for any decision to be accepted by all.

“His message is, this time, the party will ensure the candidate is a real winnable candidate, not just based on positions at division level or others,” Puad added.

The Mahkota state seat is one of two state seats under the Kluang parliamentary constituency in Johor, the other being Mengkibol.

The Mahkota by-election on Sept 28 is being called following the death of Umno assemblyperson Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2 while receiving treatment in hospital for internal bleeding.

Commenting further, Puad said Zahid noted that unlike in Nenggiri where Umno “did not need assistance” from its Pakatan Harapan partner DAP, the same could not be said in Mahkota with 35 percent of its constituents being non-Malays.

Setiawangsa Umno Puteri chief Asya Rahman described Zahid’s briefing as a message “from a father to his children” from Puteri Umno and Umno Youth.

“Among the key messages is how we all must unite to prepare to face the Mahkota by-election, strengthening efforts that started in Nenggiri and will once again be proven,” she said.

At a press conference after delivering his briefing, Zahid said all the party’s candidates for the 16th general election will be fielded under the BN “dacing” (scale) symbol, but Umno will continue working with all 18 parties that form the federal government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Umno pledges to ensure UiTM remains for Malays, bumiputera - Zambry

Muhyiddin divorced but can't move on - Zahid’s matrimonial jab

Umno GE16 candidates will use 'dacing' symbol, says Zahid

'Dr M asked Zahid to dissolve Umno, never wanted to ban it'

Too soon to say Malays back with Umno - party VP on polls win

Zahid is Umno’s saviour, Nur Jazlan tells 'rejected hero' Dr M