KUALA LUMPUR: Calls for greater unity, preparations for the Mahkota by-election, and a push for continued strong performance by Umno ministers were among the key takeaways highlighted by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his presidential briefing today.
The Umno General Assembly saw Merdeka Hall filled with enthusiastic delegates during the two-hour closed-door session.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said Zahid reiterated the need for all leaders and members to close ranks and unite in facing any of the party's political enemies.
"If we all unite, a seat that seems unwinnable could become one that we can win.
"The party has faced all forms of political enemies including those who were with us but had deviated from the party's struggle.
"As such, all of us have to be together... Unite and we can fight anyone," the Titiwangsa member of Parliament said.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi said Zahid also stressed that the party celebrated differences of views and opinions among leaders and members.
"However, when the party has made its decision, all leaders and members have to toe the line and respect the decision.
"We do not want these differences of opinions to create 'kabilah' (factions) within Umno," he said.
Puad, who is also Johor State Assembly Speaker, said Zahid also spoke on the party's preparation to face the Mahkota by-election, which has been fixed for polling on Sept 28.
"He raised the need for the party to adopt a different strategy for the Mahkota by-election than in Nenggiri polls due to the differences in the local political landscape between the two state seats.
"For instance, in Nenggiri we did not need DAP. But since there are 35 per cent non-Malay voters in Mahkota, we need to change our approach for the by-election next month.
"Umno must be seen as a party for all if we want to win the elections," he said.
In terms of Umno's performance in the unity government, Zahid in his presidential briefing, also instructed his party members holding any positions in the administration to continue to demonstrate good performance.
Selangor Umno information chief Datuk Mohd Zaidi Md Zain said this included those holding ministerial positions, as well as positions in the government-linked companies (GLCs).
"The president (Zahid) affirmed that Umno members who have been appointed as ministers, deputy ministers, as well as those given the opportunity to lead GLCs have shown commendable performance.
"Despite Umno having small representation (seats) in the unity government, the role played by our leaders who were given these roles are not disappointing.
"Consequently, this (the performance) has had a significant impact on the administration of the unity government," he said when met.
Another supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said Zahid reminded all party leaders to always go to the ground and provide the best services to the people.
"They must always be on the ground, not just 'seasonally'.
"The party president wants them to hold any form of meet-the-people programme each time they return to their respective constituency.
"This is the way for us to restore the people's confidence towards the party," he said.