KOTA BHARU: Still reeling from the shocking loss in the recently-concluded 14th General Election (GE14), Umno leaders must now undergo self-reflection and avoid finger-pointing, said former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
He said the defeat served as a lesson and could be a blessing disguise.
“Maybe Allah wants Umno to return to its principles and basics of the party struggles; while at the same time improve any of its weaknesses caused by its own negligence.
“We must rise with a bigger heart, strong charateristics and fighting spirit in our journey in protecting the people’s right and representing their voices,” he said in a Press conference today.
Asyraf said a week after Malaysians elected Pakatan Harapan (PH), a lot of people were already discussing the future of Umno, while others had jumped parties.
Despite this, he said Umno remained the largest party in the country representing Muslims and Malays.
“Umno has 54 seats and are supported by some 3.5 voters in GE14. This is compared with PH that won 73 seats through non-Muslims candidates and 41 others representing Islam and Malays.
“This means, Umno’s fight as the main party representing Muslims and Malays remain relevant and important. Together with the other component parties, Barisan Nasional (BN) holds 78 seats.
“It is the role of BN and Umno in ensuring that the people’s voice is heard by being effective and honourable leaders, as well as ensuring checks and balances in the government,” he said.
Asyraf, who contected the Pasir Puteh parliamentary seat, lost to Pas’ Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh, who won with a majority of 1,360 votes.