KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must shift away from outdated political approaches and thinking to regain Malay voter support and trust, says Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
He said Malay voters confidence in Umno has diminished, leading them to support other parties, which serves as a signal to party leaders.
However, he said Barisan Nasional's (BN) victory in the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan yesterday clearly proved Umno's strength.
"The strength of Umno lies in the Malay Bumiputera community and the nearly 95 per cent Malay Bumiputera population in Nenggiri indicates that Umno still holds a place in the hearts of the Malays.
"However, they may have previously loved Umno but lost trust in it, leaving them with no choice but to turn to other parties. This shift signals that the people want change within Umno," he said in his Facebook page.
Dr Akmal said the rakyat now seeks leaders who serve and courageously voice their concerns, not leaders who are merely titled 'Yang Berhormat' but only focus on their self-interest.
"Changing is not easy, but we have done it in Nenggiri and Alhamdulillah, the rakyat have accepted and restored their trust in this party.
"And this trust is not permanent. If we put our guard down , the rakyat will surely punish us again," he said.
Meanwhile, he also expressed gratitude to Umno's top leadership for entrusting the youth with leading this change.
"It has not been easy due to various challenges we faced from the beginning, but we believe that if we are sincere for the sake of our religion, race and country, Allah will support this fight.
"Umno Youth will remain consistent in voicing the rakyat's concerns without fear, now and forever," he said.
He also believes that Umno must continue to be the main platform for uniting Malay Muslims in the country, as it was at its inception, because that is what the people want.
BN has captured the Nenggiri state seat after its candidate won the Nenggiri by-election last night.
BN's candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani garnered 9,091 votes, defeating Perikatan Nasional's Rizwadi Ismail who received 5,739 votes.