KOTA KINABALU - Umno needs to strengthen the party ahead of the 15th General Election (GE15), said the party’s Sabah chief, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
This is because preparation for a general election is much more complex and tedious compared to a state election.
"What needs to be done by Umno apart from resolving internal crises is to strengthen its machinery at all levels. The general election is not like a state election, it will be extraordinary.
"For a general election, we have to conduct engagement with all voters, because in this general election, if something happens to Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno, the party will lose.
Bung Moktar comments came after the opening of the Umno general assembly at the World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan during his opening speech for the general assembly of Umno’s Women, Youth and Puteri wings, touched on several matters including the relevance to call for GE15 due to the current unstable political climate.
Commenting further, Bung Moktar agrees with Mohamad that GE15 should be called soon but the party needs to be ready.
"Yes, a general election should be held but with the condition that party machinery at all levels, from each voting district, to every branch, needs to be strengthened.
"If this can be done, I believe when this general election is held, Umno will rise again and capture the support of the people.
Bung Moktar also said Sabah Umno had strengthened its position following the state election.
"Insyallah, Umno Sabah have solidify its position after the state election and we have conduct preparations on the ground for an election "This means that we are ready to face this election but we are also stepping up efforts to create a more efficient and effective party machinery,'' he said.