KUALA LUMPUR: The central issues of the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri debates today were on the party’s preparation for the incoming election, the rising cost of living and the ever-increasing property prices, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Speaking to reporters after attending the three wings’ debates, Zahid said the preparation for the upcoming election needs to include the ability to fight off external attacks and strengthen the wings’ internal effectiveness.
“The party machinery is not only expected to block the attacks coming from their political rivals, but also to ensure their machineries could serve their specified audience,” he said.
Commenting on the rising cost of living, Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, assured that the spike in living cost is an issue actively addressed at all levels of the party leadership.
“This issue came as a result of the previous economic and socio economic policies. (However), I assure you that the Prime Minister and his cabinet, along with the help from our wings and the supreme council remain steadfast in resolving this,” he said.
On the issue of rising property prices, Zahid said there is room for discussions. Suggestions presented by the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri will be discussed further with the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry and the state governments.