KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has outlined two strategies which will be used to strengthen the Malay party following its devastating loss in the 14th general election in May.
Umno deputy president who is carrying out the duties of party president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the first strategy involves measures to strengthen the party and map out strategies to win the 15th general election (GE15).
The second strategy, he said, is to revamp and restructure all Umno operations nationwide.
“Umno is like a big organisation, there are many components to it. We have decided to review its organisational structure to ensure that it is managed well and in an orderly manner.
“This will be done via the setup of a committee comprising the party’s vice-presidents, who will determine how it will allocate more power to the states so that it is not too centralised. The majority of this (planning) is done at central level.
“In the future, all state liaisons and divisions will devise their own strategies as each state is different. The strategy in Kelantan will surely be different from Johor and other states. As such, we want to accord more authority to the state themselves and at the same time, map out the strategy to win GE15,” he told a press conference after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting in Menara Dato Onn on Friday.
Mohamad said the meeting also touched on the council’s agreement to award full autonomy to Sabah Umno, which is now helmed by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
He said they decided to hand over full autonomy to Sabah Umno after many of its members of parliament and state assemblymen left the party.
“With full autonomy given to Sabah, they will now have the authority to revamp themselves, enabling Sabah Umno to rise again,” he said.
Mohamad said Umno is committed to rise again and serve as the eyes, mouth and ears of the people. The approach, he said, is the party’s key thrust, with an emphasis on championing the people’s cause.
“We will rise and serve as a spokesman for an opposition which is effective in Parliament, Dewan Negara and the state legislative assembly.
“Umno is ready to take on this role by championing issues which affect the people, including those on cost of living, which has affected the people given the plunging commodity prices.
“We will continue to be the people’s champion. Umno will speak for the people and highlight their problems so that their plight will receive the attention of the government, whose policies now are a burden to the people,” he said.