SHAH ALAM - Veteran Umno leader Datuk Othman Desa has called for a leadership shakeup in Terengganu Umno and the Kemaman division following the party's dismal performance in the recent Kemaman by-election.
Othman, a former Umno Veteran Malaysia Chairman, stressed the need for fresh faces to lead Umno Terengganu and the Kemaman division, arguing that the current leadership has lost touch with the aspirations of the grassroots and the evolving political landscape.
"The defeat in Kemaman is a stark reminder that we need a new approach.
"The old guard must make way for fresh blood who can revitalise the party and reconnect with the people," he said.
His comments come amidst growing calls for Terengganu Umno Chairman and Kemaman Umno Chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said to step down following BN's failure to regain the Kemaman Parliamentary seat.
Ahmad's leadership has come under scrutiny after BN not only lost the by-election but also failed to win any parliamentary or state assembly seats in the 15th General Election (GE15) and the recent State Election (PRN).
Othman highlighted that Umno Terengganu must act swiftly to address the root causes of its repeated defeats.
"We need to champion issues that matter to the people, such as the rising cost of living.
"If BN wants to make a comeback in GE16, a drastic change is necessary," Othman reiterated.
"We must replace the top leadership of Umno Terengganu and strengthen the grassroots machinery in each division," he said.
Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Hussain Yusri Zawawi echoed Othman's call for a leadership revamp, suggesting that Ahmad should step down in favour of a fresh face with the trust of the people of Terengganu.
"Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman and Rozi Mamat are both qualified candidates to lead Umno Terengganu.
"They have the experience and the ability to connect with the younger generation.
"Although Razif and Rozi lost in GE15 and the recent state election, it is not because of their personal factors, but rather due to the rejection of the people towards Umno as a whole and the state leadership that is no longer relevant," he said.