'Umno now needs to listen to the people'

BN has now realised that the coalition needs to change its approach to campaigning after suffering a crushing defeat at the 14th general election, said Rizam Ismail, the Selangor opposition leader-in-waiting.

The Air Tawar assemblyperson said Umno also needs to accept defeat and address what the people want regardless of which party they are aligned to.

“We used to want the people to follow us but now we have to follow what the people want.

“That is the renewal that we need to put forward, meaning that Umno has to listen to voices from outside Umno even though sometimes it is not what the people want, but that is the voice of Malaysians,” he told Malaysiakini in an interview.

In addition, Rizam said Umno needs to put forward young candidates to give the party a need the party a new lease of life.

“This is the time for us to step up and Umno needs to put forward young leaders who have the potential to lead the nation’s future.

“Now, the important thing is that leaders listen to all viewpoints to ensure that Umno remains relevant. The political landscape has changed drastically with the founding of many Malay parties.

“Our competition used to be with PAS, but now the people have many options. Our challenge now is how to become a party people are confident in,” he said.

According to Rizam, BN’s defeat at the GE14 stems from its failure to tackle the perceptions created by Pakatan Harapan about its then chairperson Najib Abdul Razak, which brought about its downfall after 60 years in power.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Najib (photo) had resigned his post as BN chairperson and Umno president, which he held since 2009.

“The perception towards Najib was that he oppressed the people and we failed to convince them about our policies and responsibilities as government, and the people want to see our leaders fail. Thus, the perception was created,” Rizam said.

He claimed that people had voted for Harapan during the GE14 as a protest vote rejecting BN.

As for the coming by-elections in Seri Setia and Balakong on Sept 8, Rizam said constituents in both constituencies should vote for BN and PAS as a protest vote against Harapan for failing to deliver on its promises.

“If the people feel cheated, that the country is not on the right track, they should vote for us because the people have power, so there should be protest votes in the Seri Setia and Balakong.

“If not, the government would get arrogant about the things it plans to do,” he said.

The Seri Setia state constituency fell vacant after its incumbent representative Shaharuddin Badaruddin died of cancer on Aug 2, while the Balakong state constituency fell vacant after its incumbent representative Eddie Ng was killed in an accident on July 20.

Rizam expressed support for the idea that PAS and Umno should cooperate in the resulting by-elections, as a preliminary step to show a sincere relationship between the two opposition parties.

“Thanks to our leaders, for opening space for cooperation between Umno and PAS that now needs to be materialised through sincerity.

“Our focus for cooperation between Umno and PAS is to make it a reality. The important thing is sincerity to cooperate. In the Seri Setia and Balakong by-elections, we need to show that we are sincere in our unity.

“Umno cannot go alone if it wants to make a comeback. Even Harapan needs to stay united. Umno needs a new partnership to rise again, to win over the people,” he said. -Mkini