Image Credit - Malaysiakini
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has criticized the party’s leaders for being “bankrupt” of ideas and focusing on petty arguments and personal agendas instead of addressing issues that matter to the public.
In a speech to Tanjung Umno division delegates in Penang, Tengku Zafrul emphasized that Umno needs leaders who genuinely care about the people’s concerns and have a vision for the future of their children. He expressed frustration with leaders who are constantly embroiled in politics and engage in trivial matters, saying that the public is tired of such behaviour.
“The people are tired of leaders who are constantly embroiled in politics. They want leaders who genuinely care about their issues and have a vision for their children’s future,” Tengku Zafrul said.
The investment, trade and industry minister stressed that Umno needs to demonstrate to the public that it has fresh ideas to safeguard their welfare, boost the nation’s economy, and secure the future of their children. He emphasized that regaining public trust in Umno requires demonstrating a commitment to new and effective solutions.
“We need to show the rakyat that Umno has fresh ideas to safeguard their welfare, boost the nation’s economy, and secure the future of their children,” he said. “Only then will the people believe in Umno again.”
Tengku Zafrul expressed confidence in Umno’s ability to achieve these goals but also highlighted the need for internal accountability. He asserted that if leaders are unwilling to change, Umno members must speak out for the betterment of the party.
Meanwhile, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the deputy prime minister, disclosed that several political parties have indicated their interest in meeting him and his PKR counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss forming an electoral pact for the 16th general election due by 2028.
However, Ahmad Zahid said that Umno has learned its lesson and is not prepared to engage with any of the concerned political party representatives at this time.
“My advice was not to be bitten by the same snake twice in the same place,” he said, alluding to the short-lived Muafakat Nasional (MN) political alliance between Umno and PAS.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized that Umno needs to ensure that its position as a party is strong and resolute before it partakes in discussions with others. He said that the art of negotiations requires refraining from attending any invitation for negotiations if the party is weak.
In a separate statement, Tengku Zafrul also dismissed concerns about Malaysia going bankrupt like Sri Lanka, saying that the chances are extremely slim. He noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has never mentioned any economic problems faced by Malaysia that could result in the country going bankrupt but had instead expressed confidence in the nation’s economic growth.