MARANG: Umno will adopt three approaches which it hopes will deliver a convincing victory in the 14th general election (GE14).
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the approaches are: to retain existing seats which it won in the last election; to regain all seats it lost to opposition parties; and to win the support of “persuadable voters”.
Speaking to 15,000 people during the “Jalinan Rakyat Plus (JR Plus)” gathering at Kampung Gelugor here this evening, Zahid said JR Plus will help Umno ensure the implementation of all the approaches, and secure a sweeping victory of all seats it contests in GE14.
"JR Plus is set to become Umno's main election machinery. It is a way for us to get close to voters and get to know their needs at the grassroots level.
"Retaining all seats won in the 13th general election is as important as seizing back seats lost in past general elections.
“By getting closer to the people and catering to their needs, we are convinced of our ability to retain and regain all the seats," he said to the thunderous applause of the audience.
Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman and Umno Marang division chairman A. Latiff Awang.
Zahid said “persuadable voters” are those in Umno who cast protest votes against their own party simply because they did not get a chance to contest in past general elections, or because they were not given posts in local authorities or village development and security committees, among others.
He said Umno's main enemies, however, are outside the party, and it cannot afford to have any would-be saboteurs among its members.
"We can't afford to ignore their needs and voices. They are our main target too, this coming election.
"This is because the only way for Umno to be strong is to ensure that all members are united," he added.