KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has acknowledged that the party is in a weak state following its defeat in the 2018 General Election.
Zahid said this was because while there were attempts made by several individuals to 'save' the party, many also carried out poor-quality work that resulted in nothing since GE14.
He said this in response to the statement made by Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki yesterday, who said the party, which is in a weak state, will undergo a recovery process to strengthen and empower the party.
"The statement made by the secretary-general is accurate because, since 2018, we have witnessed various internal figures carrying out poor-quality work that have no result.
"Hence, the Umno leadership, particularly the Cadre and Training Council, is injecting new forms of training not only to instil good spirit among the members but also to work as a team as leaders," he said when met by reporters at the launch of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) MyNEXT programme at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, today.
Yesterday, Asyraf, in an interview with Berita Harian, said the party, which is in a weak state after the GE14, would undergo a recovery process to strengthen and empower the party to continue championing the interests of the Malay and the Islamic agenda in the country.
The process, he said, could be successfully implemented if no internal conflicts take place among party leaders.
He added that the process also includes cleansing those considered thorns in the flesh.
Following this, Zahid also said that while it is acceptable to hold varying opinions, Umno members should not let certain opinions escalate and cause discord within the party.
Instead, he said its members, particularly from the party's wings such as Youth and Women, should contribute to the party for its survival in many years to come.
"We entertain different opinions. But do not condemn the party and cause damages from within.
"We also want the young energy (from our members), whether it is from the Youth or Women wings, to continue to contribute (to the party).
"At the same time, we have opened membership applications online, and we have no problem recruiting new young members."