Let's explore new political dynamics: Mat Hasan to Umno members

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan today called its members to give the party a chance to explore new political dynamics.

In his winding-up speech at the 2022 Umno general assembly, the party number two said Umno’s survival is the leadership’s utmost priority and they will start preparing the party to face the next general election.

“I would like to ask all Umno members to give this party a chance to explore the current political dynamics, for us to ensure the survival of this party will always be our priority.

“Whatever the party leadership does, it is to ensure that we start preparing for the 16th general election. This is important.

“So, give us a chance to manage the party, to slowly move forward,” he said.

It was understood Mohamad was speaking in the context of Umno recently forming a coalition government with Pakatan Harapan, which used to be its arch-enemy.

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan

He reminded assembly delegates that Umno was defeated in the recent general election.

However, he said they were saved by God’s grace to be part of the government despite BN only managing to secure 30 parliamentary seats.

“This was God’s will. The other party which won more seats than us did not have the rezeki (providence) to form the government,” he said, referring to Perikatan Nasional (PN).

“All other parties in the country had worked with each other. Only we (Umno and Harapan) had never done it before. So, now we try and see how it goes.

“Like what the Umno Youth chief mentioned earlier, we only entered into cooperation, we are not joining them. We are only sitting together to manage the country,” he added.

Military voters

In his speech, Mohamad, who is the defence minister in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s cabinet, indicated he would try to bring back the support of armed forces members to Umno, especially for the upcoming six state elections.

According to the Rembau MP, he was lucky to have received the support of many armed forces voters in the recent general election, which helped him to secure the parliamentary seat.

However, he said, other Umno candidates in constituencies with a high number of military voters were not so lucky.

“So, I will make it my priority to visit all the constituencies where there are military camps.

“Insha Allah, I will start making rounds at military camps in six states - Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

“These states have many military votes and I will go down there, and I will make sure I visit them,” he said. - Mkini