KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is confident of winning the six parliamentary and one state seat held by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia members who have declared support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim if by-elections are called.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the party could win the seats if given the chance to contest.
He said the Bukit Gantang, Gua Musang, Jeli, Tanjong Karang, Kuala Kangsar and Labuan parliamentary seats and Selat Klang state seat were once held by Umno, with strong grassroots support.
"After our success in the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election, Umno and Barisan Nasional are confident we can win the seven seats.
"I have talked about the need to establish party war rooms in these areas. We need to be prepared in every possible way."
The Bersatu elected representatives who have declared support for the unity government are Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, Gua Musang MP Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi, Jeli MP Zahari Kechik, Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid, Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman and Selat Klang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari.
Ahmad said the win in Kuala Kubu Bharu was a result of the cooperation between parties in the unity government.
"The Kuala Kubu Bharu experience emphasises the importance of party solidarity to secure victories.
"We will ensure our machineries in the seven seats are ready for anything."
He urged young voters to make informed decisions and to thoroughly research each candidate before voting, rather than following social media trends.
"Don't be swayed by TikTok videos filled with confusing content.
"I encourage young voters to explore the websites of ministries. Check out the websites and social media accounts of leaders and government officials.
"Don't be influenced by TikTok videos from opposition leaders.
"Why choose the opposition? What are the benefits of aligning with the opposition?
"The opposition is limited in what it can do, while the government has the capacity to accomplish many things."