Zahid: Infighting cost Umno dearly, let's not repeat it in GE16

New Straits Times

6 days ago

RAUB: Umno must learn from the mistakes of the last two general elections if it wants to reemerge as a dominant party in the 16th general election (GE16), said party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, alluding to internal strife that weakened the party's performance previously, said Umno's poor showing in the 14th and 15th general elections was a test from God—and GE16 must be a turning point.
"God has tested us twice, and we do not want a third test in GE16.
"We must not repeat the same mistakes. Instead, we should learn from the past, rectify the situation, and resolve Barisan Nasional's (BN) and Umno's internal issues.
"Twice is enough," he said, referring to the coalition's disappointing results in recent elections.
Zahid noted that BN secured only 30 parliamentary seats in GE15.
"Whenever I attend Umno delegates' meetings, I take the opportunity to assess our strengths and weaknesses, and to listen to the grassroots... to understand how we can regain dominance in GE16," he said when opening the Raub Umno division delegates' meeting at the Raub Silver Jubilee Hall today.
He said internal conflict and disunity had played a significant role in the party's decline.
"There were too many enemies within—duri dalam daging (thorns in the flesh)—and some even shot themselves in the foot.
"We must avoid this if Umno wants to return to its winning ways.
"Umno must remain united and resilient. Only then can we strategise and move forward.
"Our leaders must serve with sincerity and integrity—these positions are a trust, not a reward."
Zahid also urged Umno leaders to move on from the past, set aside internal disputes, and focus on the party's core mission to secure victory in GE16.
BN, which governed Malaysia for nearly six decades, lost its grip on power in the last two general elections. In GE15, it recorded its worst-ever performance, winning only 30 parliamentary seats.
Also present were Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who is also Pahang Umno liaison chief, and Raub Umno division chief Datuk Abd Aziz Mat Kiram.
On a separate matter, Zahid—who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister—said the expansion of the Madani Rahmah Sales initiative announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would benefit more people, especially in rural and densely populated areas.
"The introduction of new locations and a wider variety of products will give consumers more choices at affordable prices.
"We hope the target groups will take advantage of this opportunity to purchase essential goods.