Umno veteran Abu Bakar Ali said the party’s struggles then and now were very different but no one can deny that the early leaders fought tirelessly to ensure Umno was what it is today.
“While we must always remember the struggles of our ancestors since 1946, can we keep Umno for our grandchildren in the next 70 years?,” he asked in an exclusive interview with Bernama in conjunction with Umno’s 70th anniversary on May 11.
Abu Bakar, 70, who was the former state assemblyman for Kemasik for four terms from 1990 to 2008, said in the past, Umno members were close to each other and were united.
“The party remained solidly together as all members were struggling to get basic amenities for their villages. They (Umno leaders) were united because from around 1966 to the early 70s, villages were still backward and this struggle for development kept the party united and it became stronger,” he said.
Abu Bakar said while in the past, many used to turn down nominations during branch and division elections, today members would rush to hold posts for self interests.
“Healthy competition is good, but are they contesting to serve Umno and the people? For all I know, a large portion of them are competing to obtain projects and this is different from the leadership of the past,” he noted.
“To improve the situation, firstly, we have to maintain unity and there should be tolerance between one another; leaders should be close to the community and serve the people so that they know what Umno is and are indebted to the party,” he said.
So, Abu Bakar said if the unity and image of Umno leaders could be restored and maintained, he was confident the party would continue to rule after the next 70 years.
“The leaders should be sincere in caring for the people and they should be seen looking after them at all times and not just during elections,” he added.
Abu Bakar said Umno members should rally behind the party president to give confidence to the people and help to fend off slanders, including the 1MDB issues.
“We must help to shore up people’s feelings for Umno and the president as he cannot be fighting the issues alone; in fact, leaders at all levels should play their roles,” he said.
Asked on Umno’s position in the next general election, Abu Bakar said he was confident Umno’s strength would recover before the 14th General Election.
“I feel that in one or two years before the general election, Umno will regain its strength and overcome all issues confronting the party,” he said.
– BERNAMA