BATU PAHAT: Johor Umno is no longer at a crossroad and has continue to grow stronger as a political party championing the struggles of the people in the state.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said leaders and members in Johor Umno have become more united and proven their loyalty to the party by putting aside personal interest.
Hishammuddin, who is also the Defence Minister, also said it was imperative for the all Johor Umno leaders and members to rise together in defending the party’s honour and continuity in the 14th General Election (GE14).
“There was a time when we were at a crossroad and confused following the certain leaders from the party.
“We were confronted with a tough decision on choosing between friends or the struggles of the party.
“Having that said, we have proven our critics wrong when leaders and members in Johor Umno closed ranks, remained united and loyal to the party,” said Hishammuddin, who is also the Special Function Minister.
He was speaking during a meeting with the party’s leadership from the Ayer Hitam, Parit Sulong and Simpang Renggam divisions today.
Present during the event, which was held at the Ayer Hitam Umno Community Building here, were Parit Sulong Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad and Johor Umno Information chief, Datuk Samsolbari Jamali, who is also the Ayer Hitam Umno division chief.
Also in attendance were Ketua Bahagian UMNO Parit Sulong, Datuk Zulkurnain Kamisan and Datuk Abd Hamid Abd Rahman, who are the party chief for Parit Sulong and Simpang Renggam divisions respectively.
Hishammuddin cautioned that Umno’s would be meaningless if the party's victory in the election is not sustained and protected.
He also said that he is proud to see the consensus among leaders and members in Johor Umno who are still holding strong to the party's principles.
Every Umno members and leaders in Johor, he said, know the trust that are put on their shoulders to ensure that the state continue to be a stronghold for party and generally, Barisan Nasional.
"That is why I am here today, so that we can have a heart-to-heart discussion because we want a consensus between us. We do not want to be too swayed by sentiments of hate that would divide us.
"I am proud because Umno members and leaders in Johor have put the party's struggles as the priority. That is Umno's advantage that we have to protect," said Hishammuddin.