SHAH ALAM - Umno should make an effort and seek a solution to fix the public’s perception towards the party which is often accused of being corrupt, dirty and power-mad if it wants to continue its struggle.
Federal Territories Umno Youth Chief Mohamed Nizham Abdullah Hamidi said Umno used to be the backbone of the government, yet that narrative caused its performance to decline, especially in the 14th General Election (GE14) and GE15.
He said if the people continuously reject Umno, it was not impossible that 30 seats would become 20, four or three and eventually, the party would be buried.
"Most importantly, the narrative must be accurate and on the right track so that they understand that Umno now has changed, no longer the old party.
"We are about to face the state election, if we look back, there are only 33 per cent of Malays who support Barisan Nasional.
"When it’s a Malay party but with no support from the Malays, there must be something wrong,” he said on Thursday.
Nizham was a panellist on the Sinar Live programme titled PRN: Zahid Mampu Kembalikan Maruah Umno? (State Election: Will Zahid Revive Umno?)
The programme was broadcast live on all Sinar Harian platforms and was conducted by Hazwan Moktar.
Upon being asked his views on the position of the President and Deputy President not being contested, Nizham said that the delegates had made a decision.
"It is not a question of Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi or Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan but the issue of democracy should be nurtured in the party.
"Through the competition, there will be no debate, showing that Umno is back on track,” he said.