Umno assembly seen as a turning point for party, Zahid

 

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s policy speech led to grassroot members warming up to his leadership, a party official said.

PETALING JAYA: 

Umno’s general assembly last week could mark a turning point for the party and its president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, according to two party officials.

Zahid’s policy speech and strategy that he outlined had injected some fresh enthusiasm among members and provided clearer direction for the party, said Umno Youth permanent chairman Wan Agyl Wan Hassan and Subang division chief Arman Azha Abu Hanifah.

They said the outcome of the general assembly augured well for the party, buoyed by its recent victory at the Nenggiri by-election, and for Zahid.

Wan Agyl Wan Hassan.

Wan Agyl said Zahid’s policy speech was a departure from the more adversarial tone of previous speeches by emphasising unity and cooperation.

The Nenggiri by-election victory had also encouraged debates on modernising the party, increasing social media participation, and handling upcoming issues, which Wan Agyl saw as offering hope for Umno’s political resurrection.

The happy atmosphere revealed a cautious but developing faith in Zahid’s leadership,

 he told FMT, referring to the unease among members over its alliance with former bitter rivals DAP and the possibility of prolonging an electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan.

Umno grassroot members were said to be uncomfortable with Zahid’s statement in July that the party will join forces with PH for the next general election, and had called for the party and Barisan Nasional to go solo.

However, Wan Agyl said Zahid’s policy speech has led to grassroots warming up to the party president’s leadership. In his speech, Zahid outlined a clear plan to regain its dominance of national politics and gave an assurance that Umno’s alliance with PH would not threaten its mission in championing the Malay cause.

Even though many out there still have some doubts in his leadership, I see it as a work in progress,

 said Wan Agyl.

Still, the bullish vibe at the general assembly has created a 

suitable climate for Zahid

, Wan Agyl said.

It suggests a possible turning point for Umno as it tries to recover its former political might.

Arman Azha Abu Hanifah.

Arman observed that the sentiment following the general assembly was positive, attributing it to a clear narrative and Zahid’s approach of explaining the party’s direction following its collaboration with PH prior to the assembly.

He felt that the explanation helped the grassroots become more accepting of Umno’s alliance with PH which was also proven during recent by-elections in which grassroot members helped to campaign for seats contested by PH.

I am confident that even more will come to accept his strategy in the coming months. What is important is that the narrative of Umno’s collaboration remains relevant in the minds of the grassroots,

 Arman said.

He said Zahid had in his meeting with divisions prior to the general assembly explained that what it took to help Umno regain its former glory was to take a more centrist, progressive and moderate position.

He said taking a centrist and moderate route was one that his division had always pushed for in view of the more progressive political landscape, adding it was also in line with what the public wanted.

The younger generation, civil society and fence sitters, as well as those with differing political leanings wanted a fresh and more palatable approach. - FMT