PUTRAJAYA: An independent third-party validator, which is not related to Umno or Barisan Nasional, will help counter-check all reports submitted by the party’s state liaison committees and divisions on their status and readiness to face the next general election.
The Deputy Prime Minister said BN’s experience in the previous general elections proved that some of the information supplied by the state and divisions did not reflect the real situation on the ground.
“They can say that they have already won the support of 60 per cent voters but that is not necessarily true.
“We need the most accurate information which can be verified ... if possible, 100 per cent accurate,” he said in an interview at his office here, in conjunction with the Umno general assembly next week.
Muhyiddin however, admitted that reports from the state liaison committees and divisions were still important, and he would meet Umno and BN leaders soon for the latest updates.
During the one-hour interview yesterday, Muhyiddin also shared his views on the general assembly, expectations from members and Umno’s strategy to face the twisting and exploitations expected from the Opposition on issues raised by the party delegates.
Question: Many people believe that this will be the last Umno general assembly before the 13th general election. What will be its main focus?
Answer: This meeting will not only attract the locals but also foreigners and since we are nearing the general election. Whatever we raise in the assembly will determine the party’s ability and relevance to the people. For the Malays, they want to know whether Umno is still fighting for them and has transformed after the 2008 general election. After the meeting, the Malays should have realised the importance of Umno in safeguarding their rights while at the same time play an effective role to help others.
Question : Based on previous experience, sensitive issues raised in the meeting were also being discussed outside the assembly. How will Umno tackle this?
Answer: We are open and have nothing to hide although many speakers are expected to touch on Malay rights and their future. But we must understand that the speakers will also touch on the rights of other races. We will continue with our approach and there will be no restrictions for others to listen and the media can report on the proceedings as usual.
Question : Some people claim that the 1Malaysia concept is not in line with Umno's struggles for the Malays.
Answer: When we took up the 1Malaysia concept, it does not mean that we have abandoned the fundamentals that lead to the formation of Umno which is to safeguard the Malays and Bumiputera. As enshrined in Umno constitution and the Federal Constitution, the rights of other races and religions still exist. So Malays should not feel like they
have been abandoned. But maybe such a notion appeared because of perception as if we have gone off track lately. But it is just a perception. We have to face the political situation post 2008 general election where there was a big tsunami. We have to take into account the changes of mindset not only of the Malay community but Malaysians in general. Umno has to adapt to the changes so that it will not be seen as back pedaling or not parallel to the current development. Still we have never ignored the fundamentals of our struggles.
Question: You have been labelled as more racist nowadays, not only by the non-Malays but also the Malays. What is your response?
Answer: This is just a perception. I have never changed my views or actions when dealing with the struggles of the Malays and other Malaysians. Just like our prime minister and Umno president, who is not seen to be less or more Malay. We still have the same stand and views. Such a perception exists because there are those who want to
paint a picture as if we are more chauvinistic. In fact the opposition, the DAP in particular, is more chauvinistic. When Umno talks about the Malay agenda which has yet to be achieved, we are not being racist. If we cannot safeguard the rights of the biggest community and Umno leaders are scared to be labelled as a chauvinist, then we are not fulfilling our responsibilities and Umno will be seen as a failure. This is the opposition's game.
Question: What will be Umno's plan to handle the Opposition's tendency to use social networks to twist and exploit issues raised by delegates?
Answer: We do not curtail our delegates to raise any issues as they have the right to do so based on what they have gathered from the ground. I do not deny that the social media has been an influential tool and there are attempts to turn whatever good things the government had done into something bad. Just look at how they have called Umno as racist. But we also have social media users who are with us to explain things with facts.
Question: Why Umno is more defensive when the Opposition has been very aggressive in attacking?
Answer: Umno may be seen as defensive because we have been attacked continuously. But Umno has always been advocating good things and explaining on our roles and policies. We must also take into consideration the right of others. I admit that we don't have experts to conduct an offensive attacks before, but we have improved and are able to explain better. The opposition will always twist the facts to garner support.
Question: Is the situation in Umno so bad that its leaders have to remind party members not to sabotage the party?
Answer: We look at past experiences especially 2008 general election when the members did not like the candidates. We lost in some areas not because the opposition was strong, but due to internal bickering in Umno. We have to make sure not to repeat the same mistakes. The next general election is the "mother of all elections" and we will face it with different approach as what we have done in the previous by-elections which have been proven effective. Our defeats in some states before should remind us that we cannot "play with fire" in such a situation and when we ask them not to sabotage the party, it also means that Umno members must work harder to ensure that we remain in power.
Question: What about the voices of Umno Youth and Puteri?
Answer: I agree that to some extent, Umno Youth and Puteri Umno are seen as not as active as before. We want them to realise this. They may have done many
programmes, but we have to make sure they will touch the pulse of the young generation. Still, both wings are still very important and their role is more critical to the party nowadays.
Question: Is it true that Umno receive better support in rural areas and not among urban voters?
Answer: Umno cannot ignore those living in the urban areas as they are as important as those in the rural places. Especially now, when between 60 and 70 per cent of the Malays are now staying in the cities. Looking at the geo-political changes, the urban votes are becoming more important for the party as they reflect the overall political perception. Urban voters will not necessarily vote in the cities where they are staying but will go back to their hometown to vote just like myself.
Question: There are those who claim that Umno is not ready for the general elecion?
Answer: I don't think so as ve have to be prepared at all time. I have already set up the election machinery at all levels. Knowing Datuk Seri Najib (Razak), he will decide after gauging all aspects (including) party preparation, conducive situation, economy and people's acceptance to the party. Whether the opposition states will
dissolve their state assemblies simultaneously, it is up to them. They cannot even agree on the matter when Kelantan said the state will follow us, but not for Selangor and Penang. For us, it is not an issue since we are ready to face them anytime. If they dissolve after the general election, the full force of BN can focus on these states.
Question: Will the 13th general election be the last one for BN as the ruling party? Is it true that the professionals prefer the opposition?
Answer: We will not lie down without a fight and will face them with all our strength. The people will decide and we must not take things easily. We must fight to the death as this is an uphill battle. We must work 10 times harder than before.I have consistently told grassroots leaders to go to down to the ground and engage with the people. There must be a two-way interaction between them and the people. By doing so, the people will understand an issue better. Not all the young and the professionals are supporting the opposition. It may seem like it because the few who join them are more vocal.Umno should not stop professionals from joining the party.
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