‘We want the nation to remain strong and united’

Ahmad Fairuz Othman & Syed Umar Ariff, NST

Question: What are some of the sensitive issues likely to be touched by delegates? Answer: Well, this is an assembly of the biggest party that practises democracy and it attracts the attention of not only Umno members but also the society. Whether the topics are on economy, education or religion or party matters, there is no restriction and this is the best platform. Speakers need to identify the problems highlighted, and they must not add to the problems but find solutions to them. They will not be restricted from talking about the education system or on ways to strengthen the national schools. Like how do Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (vernacular schools) contribute to the country’s unity? I don’t think we need to restrict such discussion. The important thing is all of these issues are close to the hearts of the Malays.

On the issues of economy, maybe the debates are about the cost of living and housing or income of the Malays, as compared with those from other races… job opportunities or unemployed graduates and the list goes on. This may include sensitive issues on religion and race. As the party that represents the government and as the biggest party, we want to help the country to remain strong and united. It is the same with issues related to the Sedition Act. Prior to this general assembly, at almost every division that I visited, there were talks on the act. Division members want the government to be careful, if possible, to defend the act. If the people want to amend it, they will amend it. That is something that will not be stopped. The same goes for issues on the rights of the rulers or the country’s leaders. This coming assembly will see more topics being debated. There is so much to talk about but I hope (the) speakers will mind their language.

Question: The upcoming assembly will be the second to be held after the 13th General Election. Has Umno learned from its past mistakes?Answer: Various issues will be debated and all these will paint a picture of whether Umno has gone through political transformation or otherwise. The question revolves around whether the party has indeed implemented (changes), changed, become stronger or not. The same goes for other (Barisan Nasional) component parties.

I feel that our party remains consolidated, there is no crisis and the leadership is backed by a huge support. However, that is not an illustration of the party’s transformation process being fully executed.Several things have taken place, for example, leadership at divisional level continues to remain stable without any issues and (there are) increased activities to help improve support and confidence (of the party and people). But I do not think that we have done enough. Although there is change and improvement, they are generally not palpable. They want Umno to carry out huge transformation, not just at its structure but in our approaches as well, in order to mete out actions that can attract support for the party or have the younger generation to uphold Umno’s struggles. That message needs to be clearly conveyed at this assembly. Our situation today has become more challenging, compared to what we experienced a year ago, stemming from events that had taken place pertaining to matters on the Malay rights, the royal institution, the Malay language and religious issues. Those are things we need to focus to increase the community’s support for our struggles.

Question: How can we ensure that the assembly will not turn into a routine affair? There are instances of issues that were raised in previous assemblies but have yet to be addressed until today. Answer: Yes, I do feel that (some issues have yet to be addressed). I have discussed with the party president (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) during the last assembly and we admit that it is as if Umno has yet to change in the eyes of the public in matters related to political transformation and party restructuring.

I have suggested the setting up of a team of inspectors, to be led by several supreme council members and assisted by those (academicians) from universities or volunteers, to be on the ground and assess the performance of divisions in selected parliamentary (constituencies/areas). For example, we will find out how to regain the areas that we have lost or improve support in areas that we have won on a wafer-thin margin. The teams to be sent there will have to work round the clock. It will not be a seasonal job. The party president and I have also agreed to allocate more time for party affairs because we may be swamped with government duties, so much so (that) party matters are not given due attention and time. We probably could delegate certain duties to ministers, so that the president and I could work together to look into party matters closely and move to create an intervention. We only have another three years (to the 14th General Election). We are at a critical stage because if the party transformation is not felt or seen (by the people), I am worried that we will lose (in the next polls).

Question: In other words, you are saying that Umno has yet to fully recover from the losses in the last general election? Answer: In a way, yes. Although we have recovered enough to see what is going on, the problems are not fully understood. The need to push for efforts to improve the party is not being given due attention. There are still internal issues that need to be resolved, such as tussles for positions, money politics and ignorance (of roles), even among party wings. We must admit (that we are facing these issues). We must take bold actions to change for the better.

Question: The party president and you have decided to pay more attention to party affairs. But what about (leaders from) the three Umno wings (Wanita, Youth and Puteri)? Answer: The three wings must compliment each other and try to address whatever shortcomings within the party. They must be responsive to any arising problems and controversies. Do not let the people perceive that Wanita, Youth and the Puteri wings have gone lethargic and quiet. Many have commented that the three wings have not been performing like before. Previously, whenever an issue cropped up, they will be at the frontline. Today, they are not seen as such. Now, it is a matter that have been ongoing for quite sometime. It should not persist. The three wings must be proactive and be bold in addressing issues either relating to party or the government. The people want to know the party’s stand on political, economic or religious matters that are usually susceptible to controversy, but the explanations have yet to be said. So this is where the wings should take charge. The Youth (for example) was previously described as a pressure group, resilient… they were branded as such so as to motivate them. However, they are not like before.

Question: Honestly, are you satisfied with the roles played by party wings?Answer: I can grade them (for performance) but I guess I don’t have to. For example, (despite whatever that has been said), it does not mean that the Youth wing is not functioning. I am not saying that they are not doing anything at all.But more importantly, opinions from the public. This is because we are not fighting for Umno, we are fighting for our people (the Malays). It is more important to reflect on what others are thinking about us. When people say that Wanita is more active, we give credit where it’s due. So for the Youth wing, for instance, they have responsibilities, right from divisions to the federal level. We must be aware (of our roles) to address issues faced by the Malays. Of course, we can also help to voice out the interests of other races. If the Chinese are not advancing or poor, we can help them. In the end, Umno can exude an image that we are not only fighting for the Malays but also take care the interests of other races.

Question: Umno should have become bolder but the wings are now afraid to express their views. Is that what you are saying?Answer: Just now, (prior this interview) some Umno Puteri leaders came to seek my advice. They said that certain quarters have told them to be careful in their words or refrain from broaching on some issues. People from other parties have also put forth the same warning. You know to whom I am referring to. I do not have to mention names. I told them, if you are part of the party leadership your responsibility to respond to issues remains, particularly ones relating to the Malay race. It does not mean that if you do so, you are being an extremist or a racist. There is a way to employ our language and words properly so that we can convey our message clearly without being insensitive towards others. It is important for us to remember that Umno is formed to fight for the (Malay) race, religion (Islam) and the country. Our struggle may have differed slightly (today) but the message is still the same. And if we are seen as timid, even in the wake of so many issues, we will end up shunned by the people. When we talk about Malay rights, it does not mean that we are pushing aside the rights of other races. All of that (Malay and other races’ rights) are already enshrined in the Federal Constitution. But the Malays are still weak in terms of economy and our household income is still lagging behind others. So, we must be clear and understand the basis of our struggle.

Question: Will there be a focus on looking for new talents for Umno during the upcoming general assembly?Answer: Whatever we want to discuss, we need to look at the aspirations of the current generation. Based on the profile of the population, a big part of them are those below the age of 40. In the next three to four years, there will be additional young voters. If there are three million new voters and they are all young, then that is the reason why we have to talk about (acquiring new) talent while not denying the experienced party members.

Recently, during my visit to Perth (Australia), I engaged with some of our bright Malaysian youngsters. They know about all of the issues. They want explanations and answers. Some will be voters in the future while the rest may have already registered themselves (as voters). They are a distinguished lot unlike those before them. Before this, the questions asked were about faulty roads and drains. But nowadays, they (young voters) ask about human rights and government policies. Umno has a dearth of new leaders. We need qualified talents who are capable of interacting and communicate about policies.

Question: The president said it was time for younger leaders to be promoted. But it is known that some divisional leaders are finding it difficult to make way for the young ones.Answer: We have overhauled the party electoral system (to include more members to vote), which also allow those with greater leadership quality to move forward. When the time is right, the old guards should make way for the young ones. This is to form an interesting corp of qualified leaders. Let me give you an example. For the Pengkalan Kubor by-election, we had a bit of a problem in choosing a candidate to represent the BN (to run for the state seat). From the hierarchy (of the division), we see that many had contested but lost. I asked Tok Pa (Kelantan Umno chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed) to keep looking for suitable candidates and finally, we found former Tumpat assistant education officer Mat Razi Mat Ail. So in this instance, when we field someone with a good academic and religious background, it is easier (to promote the candidate).

Question: Is it possible to turn the Umno structure to be more inclusive for the younger members? Some have been saying that their rise in the party are often cut off midway. Answer: There are several matters right now on my mind but I have yet to discuss with the party president.Maybe we can have a clause for the appointment of youth members. But some existing leaders may not appoint a suitable member for the post, for fear of being challenged in the future. That is something we at the top have to look into as well. Secondly, we can create apolitical platforms in the party. The president or I can appoint those (young members) with leadership skills from the divisions. These people do not belong to any political line-up but are appointed to carry out specific duties as officers or coordinators. Their appointments must be accepted by the division leaders, whom at the same time, should not think that these appointees will be the next elected representatives, before moving in to end their careers. Those appointed to such roles will, among others, help coordinate the workflow system. Umno has more than three million members. Surely, there are people in the divisions who are up for the task.

Question: Maybe Umno should limit the service terms of party leaders to make way for the new ones, Tan Sri? Answer: The Johor Umno convention has proposed for a maximum of three terms. I think that is a good idea to be studied by the supreme council and party administration. The party constitution might have to be amended to carry out the change and, of course, there will be pros and cons concerning such implementation. But if it does take place, save for pertinent positions, many will only serve for two to three terms. I feel that is an adequate service term, especially for those whose political prospects are no longer bright.

Question: The president has reminded several state Umno (liaisons), especially Selangor, that they are not safe (in the coming elections). And recently, Terengganu and Johor have been told the same that they have to work harder to win the next general election. Is there a need for restructuring?Answer: That (information) may be a bit inaccurate. In Johor, out of 26 divisions, 11 to 12 have new divisional leaders. So, it means that the restructuring process is already in place. Maybe the president did not specifically direct his reminder to Johor, but we are aware of what is happening in Selangor or in other states that we have lost. Basically, we need to see what we can do, especially in terms of restructuring. In Selangor, for example, (we look into) the leadership line-up which will head the state liaison, or promote new talents among their ranks so that they can start hitting the ground running earlier (before the 14th General Election). We lost because we did not have a detailed plan, other than a leadership that is not well-received by supporters.

Question: Since you mentioned Selangor, don’t you think that Umno leaders there are not doing what they are supposed to do?Answer: They have put some efforts but I feel it is still not enough. This goes back to the question of (suitable) leadership, their approaches, styles or measures undertaken to rejuvenate confidence and trust. If the leadership remains the same, coupled with their losses, it will not change the voters’ perception. They have learned. They did not expect defeat, so it takes a while for them to rise back on their feet, similar to how a phoenix rises. It is a slow process for them to rise again, and the wounds are still there for Selangor. We need to take firm action. This is what was decided at the party’s top level.