TAWAU: Umno members and leaders at all levels have been reminded not to regard the coming general election as ‘harvest season’ as it will be tough.
Vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said they must work hard and not wait for the ‘fruits of harvest’ (allocation) to arrive to get things done.
“The Umno and Barisan Nasional election machinery must be on alert at all times.
The central polling districts and operations rooms must be open now,” he said after opening Kalabakan Umno Division, Youth, Wanita and Puteri delegates meeting at Tawau community hall here yesterday.
Also present were Kalabakan Umno chief Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh and Tawau Umno chief Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan.
Zahid urged Umno members to ‘harvest’ the votes lost during 2008 general election so that they return to lend their support to BN.
However, to recapture states and seats lost to the opposition in 2008, Umno and BN members must put aside negative attitude, work hard and work smart.
“Many fencesitters at the grassroots wanted to vote for Umno and BN but slow work by the election machinery caused them to go for the opposition.”
The Defence Minister urged Umno members to drop the ‘sulk culture’ as it would only create camps and this would only weaken the party.
“Loyalty to the party is very important in strengthening support at the grassroots,” he told reporters after opening Labuan Umno division delegates meeting here on Friday night.
The ‘sulk culture’ was at play in 2008 as Umno lost many seats after members upset with the choice of candidates lost interest in the general election .
Zahid said to ensure victory in general election, the war strategy of identifying enemies was still relevant.
“We have to follow the order of our general. In war, when we get the order, we have to follow so that we can emerge victorious,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ghapur urged the members to unite without having to criticise each other.
He said the favourite pastime of coffee shop talks and gossiping about Umno leaders should be ceased henceforth.
He also hoped for the members’ struggle to continue to achieve the sweet success of victory.