KEPALA BATAS - Umno has reached 80 per cent in its preparations to face elections the impending six state elections.
Umno Election Department chief Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Umno’s preparedness in the six states is at a very high level.
He said the preparations were made not only involving Umno and BN but it was based on the compatibility with new component parties in Pakatan Harapan (PH).
"I have met with all six states Umno liaison committees and what I can say is the preparations to face the state elections is at a very high level. I don’t want to comment further on the matter because we should have it done behind the scenes.
"Publicly as we all know the formula to be brought is the idea of the unity government which will be translated in the state elections as what has happened in Pahang, Perak and Melaka.
"The same basis will be brought to the state elections later. Alhamdulillah at the Umno level there are states that have started early discussions and negotiations,” he said when met after the 2023 Kepala Batas Aidilfitri Aid Ceremony at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Datuk Haji Ahmad Bedawi here on Saturday.
The programme had 400 recipients consisting of asnaf (zakat recipients), senior citizens, police and firemen.
In February the media reported Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have agreed to dissolve their state assemblies simultaneously in June to make way for the state elections.
The six states did not hold a simultaneous election with the 15th general election (GE15) due to preparations facing the monsoon season.
Reezal who was the state election coordination director said the compatibility between Umno and BN with PH is being cultivated well.
"PH, Umno and BN have a high determination and this was proven in many ways including when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was willing to stop by at Kepala Bata yesterday (Friday) to pray Isya and tarawih even with his packed schedule.
"Our programmes gained the attendance of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister I several times. This is the initial condition towards the high determination in forming a unity government.
"From there we can see the harmony cultivated in a short period. Within the next 100 to 120 days when the time comes (for state elections to be held) we will be on high alert,” he said.
The former Kepala Batas MP answered several views on Umno not having the efforts to pull Malay voters after losing in GE15 and said the matter must be seen through how well received Umno’s programmes are when held.
"I think a lot of groundwork has been laid and you can see it in Kepala Batas. I lost but when I held a programme an overwhelming response was received. We don’t want to fall into a slump by being overwhelmed by a possibly accurate analysis.
"However, if we were genuine in showing our efforts to form a unity government (not only on politics) InsyaAllah we will feel more secure and comfortable. When the people feel the stability they will surely accept us,” he said.