Tajuddin backs using ‘keris’ logo in polls to showcase Umno’s strength

 

Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said using Umno’s ‘keris’ symbol could also serve to measure support from non-Malay voters.

PETALING JAYA: An Umno veteran said the party should use its own logo in the upcoming elections as a platform to measure its level of support and strength after facing rejection from the Malay community in the 15th general election (GE15) and the recent state polls.

Former Supreme Council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said that Umno should not fret over projecting a Malay image because every ethnicity-based party has an interest in advocating for its members.

“Perhaps it is time for us to show who we really are. We are Umno, we are Malay. So, what is there to fear if we highlight our identity?

“If we do it (contest using the Umno logo), then we will know who supports us and who does not,” he told FMT.

Last month, Umno information chief Azalina Othman Said raised the question of whether it was time for the party to consider contesting independently, instead of using the Barisan Nasional (BN) logo in the upcoming elections.

Azalina’s statement received different reactions from BN component party leaders, with MIC vice-president T Mohan saying that his party had no objections to Umno using its own logo when contesting in predominantly Malay areas.

However, MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker criticised Azalina, saying the proposal should be discussed strategically within the coalition rather than openly through the media.

Tajuddin, who is currently serving a six-year suspension from Umno, said entering the election arena using Umno’s “keris” symbol could also serve to measure voter support for MCA and MIC.

“We can see whether Umno’s strength comes solely from the Malays or if it has support from other ethnic groups as well,” the former Pasir Salak MP said.

Tajuddin was suspended by the party last October and had been removed as an Umno Supreme Council member in June last year. - FMT