Mohamad, commonly known as Tok Mat. said the government must set everything aside to focus on jumpstarting the country, especially on economic recovery.

“We are in this government now. We must support this government, we no longer have any excuses, where before this, we could still point fingers.

“Now, what is next? What is next is to perform. What is next is that we must carry out our duties and do the job,” he said.

Those in government must ensure that priority is given to the people’s welfare. “What is important is food on the table and money in the pocket. If we can expedite that, then the new light (of this government) can shine on all Malaysians.”

Don’t fear the youth

Mohamad said Umno has no reason for worry or fear over moves to give 18-year-olds the vote.

He said young people are easier to convince than those who are older, as many do not have loyalties to any party.

Umno should approach the matter positively. “We need to appeal to them and neutralise their views or even better, make them support the party.”

“This is a new turf, a new game and a new method of playing,” he said, urging Umno Youth and Puteri Umno to transform their activities and figure out how to get the young to support the party.

The government has said that registration of 18-year-olds as voters and automatic registration of all voters is expected to be implemented by December.