KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will command sizeable support from the Malays in the 14th General Election.
Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said Malay voters wanted a stable government that was able to help the community, but not at the expense of other races.
“I think they have distrust towards certain parties in the opposition not because of what Umno says, but because of their own observations,” he said during an interview here on Thursday.
“But, we cannot take things for granted. We must work hard to secure our base and our base is the Malay votes in the rural, sub-urban and the urban areas,” he said.
Khairy also said it was important for Umno to field winnable candidates in GE14.
“I have heard people saying that they do not have an issue with Umno as a party. But, they have some issues with certain individuals in the party.
“If our president (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) can field the right candidates, I believe we will overcome one of the biggest challenges.
“People no longer vote based on party lines. When voters see an Umno candidate they cannot ac cept, there is a higher chance they will vote for the opposition,” he said.
Khairy said he believed that he had succeeded in making Umno Youth a more modern and contemporary organisation.
“I wanted the Umno Youth to reflect the current generation and we no longer see our members making political stunts that may embarrass the party.
“Now, we have attracted the new generation and professionals to join us. We see them from universities, joining debates and intellectual exchanges and this is the future we want to see.”
He said this year’s Umno general assembly, which kicks off on Monday, would focus on motions to prepare for the election next year.
“The youths need to know that the election next year is very significant as it does not only determine the next five years but also the future of generations to come.
“This is because we are crossing from Vision 2020 towards the implementation of the National Transformation 2050 (TN50).
“What is at stake is very crucial and the effect of one mistake will be felt for many generations to come,” he said.