KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must work towards becoming dominant again in the country's political landscape and not merely serving a complementary role to other parties in the unity government, says Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh.
As such, Dr Akmal said the wing was placing its full trust in president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's wisdom to formulate a strategy to help the party return to its former glory.
"We do not want Umno to be comfortable and continue to serve a complementary role in the unity government.
"Umno must return to become a dominant party in the country's political landscape.
"We must increase our presence in the Dewan Rakyat from 26 (parliamentary seats) to commanding a two-thirds majority," said Dr Akmal at the opening of the Umno Youth delegates' meeting here today.
On the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan, Dr Akmal said Umno's win was proof that the party is capable of regaining support from the people, including the younger generation.
The win, he said, also showed that the people still cared and believed in Umno.
"Maybe there were political observers who viewed us as the underdog during the contest in Nenggiri. There were also many among people in Umno who did not believe in us and our capability.
"We, the Umno Youth, entered the by-election in high fighting spirits without any doubts. We entered the 'battle' with one goal that is to win (the by-election)," he said.
As such, Dr Akmal hoped the party's top leadership could consider fielding a candidate from the wing in the Mahkota state seat by-election in Johor, which polling has been fixed on Sept 28.
"Umno Youth is ready to lead the contest in Mahkota," he said.
Dr Akmal also announced the setting up of a committee to monitor the performance of Umno Youth elected representatives.
The committee, to be chaired by Umno Youth secretary Hafiz Ariffin, would ensure that all elected representatives from the wing carried out their duties at their respective parliamentary and state constituencies.
"The committee will ensure that the elected representatives meet their key performance index from time to time.