Asyraf Wajdi urges Umno to reject 'cucuk sate' politics

New Straits Times

6 hours ago

BUKIT GANTANG: Umno members must put an end to the culture of "cucuk sate" (satay skewering politics), which threatens the party's unity and future, its secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said.
He reminded all party members that unity is fundamental to Umno's revival and success in the elections.
"For Umno to regain its strength and win elections, the most crucial element is unity.
"But what continues to weaken us is this 'cucuk sate' political culture, a toxic habit of inciting division and creating factions within the party," he said.
He made the remarks during his opening speech at the Bukit Gantang Umno division delegates' meeting at Dewan Bunga Raya, Changkat Jering, today.
Asyraf used the imagery of grilling satay, skewering, fanning and flipping to describe how certain individuals provoke internal conflict.
"There's the one who skewers, the one who fans the flames, the one who grills, and the one who flips. Today here, tomorrow there, spreading gossip and stirring trouble.
"Umno has lost in the past because of this kind of politics. At the top, leaders are fighting. Why? Because of the instigators at the bottom, the ones fanning the flames.
"'Boss, you can take him on. You'll win, boss. No problem, boss.' That's what they keep saying. It's happening everywhere," he said.
Calling for a new approach, Asyraf stressed the need for strategic unity across all levels of the party.
"Umno must aim to win all 56 parliamentary seats, including Bukit Gantang.
"If we succeed, we will become dominant once again and with dominance comes responsibility to protect Islam, to protect the Malays and to serve the nation," he said.
He urged members to reconnect with youth, embrace digital platforms and adopt a more inclusive and modern political strategy.
"We need to act like people who truly want to win. That means embracing change, being close to the youth and using social media responsibly.
"Don't just click 'like' on posts that insult others. We must return to our founding slogan: Unite, Be Loyal, Serve," he said.
Asyraf also reminded party members of Umno's core mission to defend religion, race and nation, and called for an immediate end to any internal culture that distracts from that goal.