MUAR: Umno must focus on rebuilding its strength in Johor and Selangor if it wants to return to its "golden era", says party vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Speaking at the opening of the Pagoh Umno division meeting, Johari said Johor and Selangor contributed the most seats to Barisan Nasional from the first to the 11th general elections.
This enabled the coalition to command a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
"Johor and Selangor were among the pillars of Umno's strength, so Umno must regain our strength (in these states)."
"In Johor, we won 40 of the 56 state seats, so the dynamics are there, it's just that we haven't seen it at the parliamentary level."
In the last general election (GE15), Umno won nine parliamentary seats in Johor compared to eight in GE14.
Johari said there was a need to change the "dynamics" at the parliamentary level in Johor including winning the Pagoh parliamentary seat held by former prime minister and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Meanwhile, Johari urged Umno leaders to groom the youth to prepare for the next election.
He said many younger leaders had to contest in other seats during elections and this was why it was important to have many local leaders.
"We need to have a generation of successors to lead the party one day.
"I was once asked to move to a safer seat but I rejected the idea. I have no problem losing but I want to help everyone right what is wrong.
"Leaders who find safe seats to contest are not fit to lead."
The Titiwangsa member of Parliament said Umno must change its strategy and focus on building a strong foundation for future elections.
"There must be sincerity in our struggles, even if there is no success at first the results will come if there is sincerity."
Earlier, at the sidelines of the Ayer Hitam Umno division meeting, Johari said the party's rejuvenation must come from within.
He said this was important in ensuring the party's revival and continued control of the seats it held.
He cited the example of the Ayer Hitam constituency, which he described as an Umno fortress.
"In Ayer Hitam we won 100 per cent of the seats (state and parliament seats).
"We cannot rest on our laurels in areas where we are strong. When Umno is strong, MCA benefits.
"Even though Ayer Hitam is a Malay-majority constituency when MCA contests the seat, it is strong. That is why I want all of us to look within."