KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has urged the party to stop blaming others for its declining popularity, saying it was counterproductive.
"We should blame ourselves," Johari said in a speech when opening the Kepala Batas Umno division meeting in Penang, yesterday.
Johari, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister, said Umno needs to look inwards to find answers to regaining its political relevance.
He also said it was important for Umno to be strong, as it was Barisan Nasional's (BN) 'anchor'.
"If Umno is strong, our allies in BN, MCA, and MIC will also be strong. If we are weak, MIC and MCA will also be weak."
Johari said the only way for Umno to strengthen itself was through hard work and to be laser-focused in its efforts.
"What is important is not to give up, and to work hard. In time, Umno will regain support."
The Titiwangsa Member of Parliament said Umno must also go back to its roots in picking the right leaders, following heavy losses in the 2018 general, and 2022 state elections.
Johari also said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was once an Umno member, whose leadership skills had been identified, and recognised by the party.
As such, Johari said the party should be thankful to Anwar, the PKR president, in trying to uplift Umno, and should learn to work with him to help move the country forward.