Question: Umno Terengganu was the first state to hold a party convention as a run-up to the party general assembly next week. Did the convention address all issues and were you satisfied with the outcome?
Answer: Since I assumed the post of menteri besar, we have held two conventions. We did very well last year and I think we did better this year. The convention is to take stock of where we are now and where we want to go in the future. Umno Terengganu faced a challenging situation post 13th General Election. There was a brief leadership crisis and it was resolved by the spirit of unity and loyalty.
So, the convention serves the purpose of binding party members. The resolutions from the convention had been passed to the party leadership. I am happy that members gave a lot of feedback and suggestions.
Question: What are messages debaters will deliver to the party leadership during the assembly?
Answer: This is the beauty of Umno. We allow open discussions and criticisms through channels, such as the general assembly. For those who feel that Umno is an exclusive or authoritarian party, they need to come to the general assembly and look at the delegates and how open they are in their criticism and approaches.
I believe issues raised by the delegates will be for the betterment of the party.
Question: Is there a “Terengganu experience” to be shared with the delegates at the general assembly?
Answer: Each state Umno has a unique experience of its own. The lessons learnt have always been the same, although the situation was different. The lesson members should understand in each case is the importance of unity and loyalty to the party leadership. Once the party leadership has made a decision, we must accept and adhere.
Question: Does the party have the strength to face the 14th General Election? What has been your priorities and preparations?
Answer: The strength of Umno Terengganu lies in our unity. We will be weakened if we are divided. Historically, Terengganu has performed well when the party is united. Pas was only able to break in in 1999 because of the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issue.
We will not take things for granted and I am confident that our performance in GE14 will be better. The focus now is fulfilling our responsibilities to the people and ensure the party remained united.
Question: Is Umno putting its ears on the ground and listening to the voices of the people? What are common grouses?
Answer: We have to be inclusive in our approach. We were able to form a government because the people chose us.
Therefore, the voices of the people are important to us. There are not many issues raised against Umno Terengganu. However, some issues relating to the economy have become the general concern. But again, I believe the issues will be resolved by the party leadership.