UMNO today needs to build its own strength and image to avoid dependence on other parties so that it continues to be seen as a party championing the people.

Information Chief Shahril Hamdan said in light of the political evolution, this approach is subscribed by all parties.

“I think its important for Barisan Nasional (BN) and UMNO build their strength and image freeing it from any dependency on any pact. Some are ministers, some are deputy ministers but they are not actually part of that family, and in that situation there are many that.

“So it is paramount for a party like UMNO that has the basic strength of more than 20,000 branches and a large number of MPs… even though many have crossover. All this shows that UMNO needs to build its own popularity and win the people.”

He said this during the ‘live’ Sinar FB program entitled ‘Tanpa PN, UMNO Sebatang Kara?’ which also featured PPBM Information Chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Political Analyst Prof. Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian on Tuesday night.

Shahril is confident that with this situation, UMNO will be more open to accept different views, especially in preparation for the 15th General Election (GE15).

“UMNO must come forward because the question of leadership and basic ideas already exist in UMNO. The party has led

the government for so long… that the structure of UMNO itself places the people as its main thrust. However, how the people realise it is also important.

“Recently, the President gave few comments on GDP… how we invited the government and other stakeholders to resolve the country’s economic situation when our GDP shrinks. Our Deputy President, on the other hand, voiced out how our health system needs to be overhauled so that there are certain preparations already in place should the pandemic situation like today repeats itself. These are some of the examples of UMNO voice ”

Shahril who is also Pemuda Deputy Chief believes that the party has many advantages that need to be highlighted or seen by the people.

“UMNO can show BN… can demonstrate its readiness by offering more places for new faces in GE15. UMNO can also show that it is not afraid of  those aged 18 from casting their votes because the youth are already given opportunities to represent their peer.”

He also believes that if the action is taken, UMNO will be able to get the support of the people to lead the country.

“If UMNO can make these reforms in the face of reforms in the country’s political system today, I am confident it can rely on its own strength,” he said.