Question: How does Perak Umno plan to use its general assembly as a platform to win more seats in the next national polls, as it only won with a three-seat majority the last time around?Answer: The Umno general assembly is the best platform for the party to revisit the current situation for a reality check. I believe members will deliberate our strengths and weaknesses to find solutions to improve the party. The event has always been the place for Umno members to re-evaluate their performances and listen to the views of the grassroots. It is also an important platform for the party’s top leadership to provide direction. Of course, it has been an Umno tradition to continuously gauge our performance and the level of acceptance by the people. In Perak, with the razor thin three-seat majority, we can’t rest on our laurels as the state is undergoing an active (political) development, including the rise of new urban and semi-urban voters. We need to outline a plan to win more seats by engaging the people through our lawmakers.
Question: You are seen as a federal lawmaker material. If you are given the opportunity to contest for a federal seat, who would you think is your worthy successor?Answer: I do not want to speculate as I have been in office for one-and-half-years only since the 13th General Election. Most importantly, whether I am going to contest in a federal seat or not, the principle must be that one does not overstay his or her welcome. The moment you sense that you are causing problems that might lead to instability in the party, it is time to give way (to new leaders). The process of grooming leaders must also be done. A good leader must groom potential successors. There must be continuity for the survival of party and government. In Perak, I believe there are a number of potential leaders who can take the helm.
Question: You have led the state since 2009. What do you think is your greatest achievement so far?
Answer: I don’t like to be assessed in a definitive term. It is unwise for me to assess what is my greatest and the least achievement. It is not for me to judge myself, but the people. Perhaps, in all humility, retaining Perak under BN in the last general election is one of the sweetest achievements, although with a razor thin margin under the most challenging and unprecedented political situation. The economic growth of Perak in the last 10 to 15 years is also encouraging. It is the result of team effort. The achievement should not be accorded to me alone, but to all state administrators, BN assemblymen and parliamentarians, who worked tirelessly for the people.
Question: Every Menteri Besar and Chief Minister who assumes office has the idea of leaving behind a legacy. How about you?
Answer: I do not expect any form of recognition. Neither do I need any legacy to be remembered. If any, I just want to be remembered as someone who was given a task during the most difficult of times (for BN), but people remained steadfast for peace. I hope our vision of “Perak Aman Jaya” will be carried out by future leaders.
Question: You have been the Umno state liaison chief for the past five years. There are a number of senior politicians in Perak Umno, namely Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah and Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz. Do you feel intimidated at times, with so many of your seniors in the state?
Answer: I always regard Zahid, Husni and Nazri as my elder brothers, as we were once Umno Youth members. I am fortunate to have my brothers lending their support in managing the party and state. They are my source of strength and guidance. We have mutual respect. The support of all division chiefs are also important.