KUALA LUMPUR – Umno needs to undergo thorough cleanup to address the betrayal of members from within the party, which has contributed to a decline in electoral support.
Umno Veterans’ Club secretary Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said efforts should extend beyond the highest leadership levels and division heads, and involve grassroots members at the division and branch levels.
“Our electoral defeat was primarily a result of betrayal by Umno members against our own candidates. For instance, in the Kemaman by-election, how can we secure 27,000 votes if there are 30,000 Umno members? Where did the remaining 3,000 votes go?” Mustapha asked.
He advocates for internal training among members, emphasising that the cleanup should start at the branch level, as it is the branch members who would cast the votes.
“The cleanup and scrutiny of members must consider the discrepancy in the announced membership numbers, which may not accurately reflect the actual figure of 3.5 million members,” he explained.
Mustapha also noted the need to address discrepancies such as the presence of deceased members and those who have joined other parties still being listed as Umno members.
“It’s time for Umno to prioritise quality over quantity in its membership. We need members who stand by Umno in both good and difficult times,” he said.
Regarding former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s prediction of Umno’s demise in the 16th general election (GE16), Mustapha Yaakub dismisses it as an attempt to lure Umno members away, using the DAP issue as bait.
Mustapha Yaakub attributes current issues faced by Malays to Dr Mahathir, citing his role in turning Umno members against DAP and subsequently collaborating with them in the GE14.
“Dr Mahathir, who played a pivotal role in Umno’s history, is now exploiting his dissatisfaction with Pakatan Harapan, especially DAP, to encourage members to defect to other parties – particularly PAS and Bersatu,” he said.
“He successfully led Umno for 22 years in a strong and dominant position but later conspired with DAP to bring down BN and Umno governments in GE14.
“This inconsistency has caused significant problems for Malays,” he said. – December 8, 2023