SHAH ALAM - The resignation issue of the Umno Kota Raja division chief Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz as the Umno Selangor treasurer should serve as a wake-up call for Umno Selangor to become active again and play its role in facing the 16th General Election (GE16).
The Umno Veterans Club Secretary-General Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said it was necessary because Umno leaders at the branch, division, and state levels were now seen as lethargic, directionless and lacking clear direction after the Barisan Nasional (BN) suffered a severe defeat in the 15th General Election and state election.
He said the problem was not only happening in Selangor but also affecting several other states including Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.
The problem however did not affect Perak, Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan where Umno won many seats during the GE15 and the previous state elections.
"We need to identify the best formula to regain the people's trust in Umno.
"This step is important to enable BN to win more seats or at least be able to retain the existing State Assembly (DUN) and Parliament seats during the upcoming GE16," he said.
Mustapha said this when commenting on Tengku Zafrul's statement that he had to resign because the party's resurgence in the state was seen as lacklustre and not in line with the central Umno theme.
Mustapha added the party could only recover if Umno at the branch, division and state levels became active again and played an effective role in defending the fate and welfare of the people, especially the Malays.
He said if Umno branches and divisions did nothing and were lethargic, then the party's recovery efforts would be hampered with the risk of losing all election seats in GE16.
"The problem is, grassroots leaders only carry out party activities after receiving instructions or allocations from the division Umno.
"The same goes for Umno divisions, waiting for funds or new instructions before taking action.
"That is why Tengku Zafrul emphasised that he did so because the state leadership lineup was seen as not in line with the plans made by the top leadership, especially Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi," he said.
Meanwhile, former Selangor Chief Minister Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo believed that Tengku Zafrul's resignation did not have a significant impact on the state Umno.
He believed that the Umno Kota Raja Division Chief did not have a major influence or many supporters.
"I believe Tengku Zafrul has certain reasons for resigning as the Treasurer of Umno State.
"I do not know the reason and am investigating the actual matter.
"This is because Tengku Zafrul is known as a leader who does not mix well with others," he said.