Umno must decide: 'Are we going solo for GE16?' says Asyraf Wajdi
RANTAU PANJANG: Umno must decide whether it will go solo and contest all 191 parliamentary seats in the next general election, said party secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
"These are the questions we need to address," he said, adding the importance of charting a clear path forward for the 16th General Election (GE16), which is less than two years away.
Speaking at the opening of the Rantau Panjang Umno division delegates' meeting today, Asyraf said the party must regain its dominance and strengthen internal unity to avoid divisions that could jeopardise its chances at the polls.
"We must not allow 'cah keting' (backstabbing) or internal divisions to persist.
"Strengthening the party is crucial in defending Islam and upholding the Malay agenda," he said.
He noted that while Umno rarely faces direct contests with DAP—pointing out that 40 seats are traditionally uncontested between the two—the DAP remains wary of Umno forging alliances with others.
"We do not go head-to-head with DAP or PKR in most areas. Our main political opponent is Perikatan Nasional (PN)," he said.
Asyraf also reminded members that Umno's goal is not about clinging to power, but about safeguarding the rights of Malays and the sanctity of Islam.
"Every party has been given a chance to govern, but it was clear that the best administration was under Umno, especially during Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership," he said.
He called on members to place full trust in party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and to rally behind the party's leadership strategy.
"To achieve our goals is not impossible, but the top leadership must be sensitive to the needs of grassroots leaders.
"Don't waste time on leadership choices. Let's focus on winning GE16 first," he added.
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