UMNO Can't Rely On History To Garner Support - Johari

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- UMNO vice president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has reminded members that the party should not rely on its history to garner public support.

He said the country’s political landscape has changed drastically and the party has to adapt its approach with current realities, especially among youth.

Johari said that based on his experience engaging in dialogue with students previously, loyalty to a party is no longer a priority among the younger generation.

Instead, he said this group evaluates parties based on performance, integrity, and their ability to resolve the people’s problems, including the cost of living and employment opportunities.

“We must realise that Malay voters have many choices, they have diverse preferences, and we must also acknowledge that the party’s image and integrity have yet to fully recover,” he said while speaking at the UMNO 80th Anniversary Convention at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here today.

Meanwhile, fellow UMNO vice-president, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail called on all UMNO members to shed prejudices against those who may have felt slighted by the party, and to prioritise a broader and more mature agenda of unity.

The Pahang Menteri Besar said the Rumah Bangsa concept should serve as an inclusive and forgiving platform, rather than merely echoing as political rhetoric at the leadership level.

“This Rumah Bangsa must not only resonate on the leadership stage. It must live and take root at all levels - in branches, divisions, villages, and also in urban areas,” he said.

Rumah Bangsa is a UMNO reunification initiative introduced by its president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, aimed at uniting Malays and welcoming former members back into the party.

-- BERNAMA