Umno needs daring transformation: Hisham

(Bernama) – Umno needs to carry out a more daring and drastic political transformation to ensure that it remains relevant under the current political environment and accepted by the people, said party vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said that at the same time, Umno must also continue with the tradition of listening to the woes and demands of the people and to meet these demands.

“We are fortunate that, by meeting the demands of the people much earlier, we were able to avoid the situation occurring in other countries such as in the Middle East

“The opposition made their move prematurely. They staged street demonstrations much earlier, protesting against the ISA (Internal Security Act) and they intended to seize Putrajaya on Sept 16 (last year), but they were unsuccessful because we had implemented what the people desired,” he told reporters after opening the Besut Umno divisional delegates meeting, here Saturday.

Also present were Besut Umno division head Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh and a representative of the Terengganu Umno Liaison Body, Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh. Earlier in his opening speech, Hishammuddin, who is also the Home Minister, said Umno leaders and members must strive to strengthen the party’s struggles and be prepared to face the opposition parties in the 13th general election.

He said this was appropriate as the parties in the opposition pact were now at loggerheads with each other.

He said that Umno should also not fear PAS, which was now divided and had lost in several recent by-elections.

“We are not afraid of PAS, they are now divided. This shows how brittle they are in facing the BN (Barisan Nasional) which is bold, sincere and honest in championing the cause of the people and country,” he added.