UMNO needs to change its political strategy and attitude to reverse the trend of voter rejection in both urban and rural areas, says Sabah Umno Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

He said the party needs to take a new approach by reaching out to people at the grassroots level, which should not be limited to Umno members or particular groups but include other communities.

According to him, most programmes such as the Ziarah are primarily focused on party members who cannot deliver the impact and additional value of people’s support for Umno.

Bung said in addition to Umno’s staunch supporters, there are non-party groups who require attention and must be approached, even if they are from different parties.

“We need to change our approach with a new dimension; this community certainly has its members and supporters; if we approach them with caution and help them with their needs, they may support Umno’s struggle,” he said at the Amanat Ketua Umno Sabah 2024 Ceremony with Umno division leaders from across Sabah in Kota Kinabalu.

Also present were Sabah Umno Secretary Datuk Jafry Arifin, Sabah Umno Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, Sabah Umno Wanita Chief Senator Datuk Noraini Idiris and Umno Supreme Council member who is also Papar Umno Wanita Chief Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.

Bung, who is also an Umno Supreme Council member, asked all Umno leaders to re-evaluate what has to be done and how to reverse the trend of voter rejection of Umno.

According to Bung, Umno must introduce the political concept of economic stability for the people, business economic development in line with the current economic issues and politics of improving people’s lives.

“We are no longer with the old cultural approach in terms of organising programmes. For example, if we approach young people, we must not only organise sports tournaments and help with sports equipment, but also provide knowledge for people in the field of business and entrepreneurship with the cooperation of related government agencies so that youths can be exposed to the knowledge and opportunities provided by the Government to generate their economy,” he said.

According to him, the Government provides numerous opportunities, such as skill courses and grants, which can be incorporated into any programme where this information is shared with the community, particularly young people, for them to explore.