YAN: Umno divisions must strengthen the party's election machinery without ignoring the contributions of party veterans, said Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan today.
"This group is loyal to Umno's cause and Barisan Nasional.
"So I think the veteran wing should be added to the four wings — Puteri Umno, Wanita Umno, Umno Youth, and the division itself — making it five.
"The reason being, during by-elections, general elections and state elections, it's the older members who show tremendous loyalty to the party."
He said this after opening the Jerai Umno delegates' annual grand meeting here.
Ahmad said this group should be acknowledged as a key component of the party's machinery.
"The addition of this wing is not done arbitrarily but is in recognition of the support of older members."
He said he would implement this concept in his own division, Pontian, in the division's delegates AGM.
"I will invite 20 members of the Pontian Umno veteran committee to be at the forefront.
"The presence of veteran members will inspire new members in the party's struggle."