ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno must act quickly to review and implement necessary changes if it was to stand a chance in the upcoming state election.
New Merbok Umno division chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said the party needs to form a 'war cabinet' and select leaders based on merit to increase their chances of success.
"The Kedah state elections will be challenging and we need to act fast. The party needs to review the current work structure, make changes if necessary, and adjust to fit the current situation.
"To face the state elections, the state leadership needs a 'war cabinet', where leaders are fielded based on their abilities rather than seniority or hierarchy," he told the New Straits Times.
Shaiful, who is also Kedah Umno information chief, said exposing the 'lies and deception" of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Perikatan Nasional would be crucial to their chances.
Despite the daunting task, Shaiful remained optimistic that fresh faces within the party could invigorate Umno.
"I am confident with the new Umno leadership at the national level. There is a good mix of experienced and new vice-presidents in the party.
"Together with the existing members, we can form a strong and effective team," he added.
Shaiful also stressed on the importance of reunifying the party's members after the party's polls, especially after their heavy defeat in the 15th General Election.
"The winning leaders should show magnanimity while the losers should accept the result and continue to support the party.
"The new leaders must continuously provide feedback and assure the members that the party is united, not divided," he added.
Yesterday, Shaiful narrowly defeated incumbent Annuar Ahmad to secure the Merbok division chief position in an intense straight fight.
The vote-counting process was not without tension, as Annuar had disputed the presence of an "extra" ballot paper.
However, after midnight, Shaiful was officially declared the winner with a slim 11-vote majority.
Shaiful, who also served as the division's deputy chief, garnered 253 votes while Annuar secured 242 votes.
Umno state secretary Datuk Ariffin Man said Annuar could file an official objection to the party if he was not satisfied with the results.
The New Straits Times has reached out to Annuar for comments.