What I Expect From Zahid S Speech

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I'M LOOKING forward to something very stimulating in this coming Umno General Assembly (March 27-28). Not that it will be conducted both in face-to-face and virtual but it must be rousing enough.
As a member since 1980, I am of the opinion that the party needs the right remedy to go on and become relevant again after losing Putrajaya in the last general election. With the stewardship of Zahid Hamidi and his subordinates, UMNO must look beyond its ability and might to identify areas it can win the heart of Malaysians again.
This is my personal take, not in the capacity of his officer. I just want to step into the delegates' and the Malaysians shoe. No offend.
UMNO is bouncing back, reflected in the streak of victory in a series of by-elections it took part. With Pas, UMNO and BN are earning eventual trust of the voters again. A good sign to take up challenges in the 15th general election.
As to whether Pas will join Umno in the GE, is a sideline question as the Islamic party has joined the Perikatan Nasional coalition dominated by Bersatu. And the issue of Umno not to cooperate with Bersatu in GE15 has been decided by the Supreme Council. That is Umno's stand before Muhyiddin Yassin was installed a premier a year ago.
Umno's decision to only support PN until the Parliament is dissolved is final. That's fine to me (from delegates and laymen point of view).
However, this PAU is the deciding factor for Umno. Zahid's policy speech on Sunday is much awaited by many. What will he say? Will there be takeaways for the delegates, the media and Malaysians who listen to him?
That's my main focus now. I hope his speech will be something new for Umno, the best ever policy speech and positive to all. It must be historic and contain the precise prescription for the party to stay relevant, encouraging and gain hat-off from all parties.
I want to see new struggle, fresh message and forward-looking policy. At the same time, Zahid must be bold enough to restructure the party by getting those unwanted elements. This is a turning point for Umno. The late Tun Razak Hussein did it once as an aristocrat.
As a commoner, it is Zahid's turn now. Umno is a combination of both - aristocrat and commoner. GE15 is expected to see a difficult political transition should some parties garner more of less the same number of seats. Umno must take into consideration the willingness to pick any of them in post-GE15. It could be PKR, Bersatu itself, Warisan or even Amanah and Pas.
Today's political turbulence amid Covid-19 is one of the main threats to Malaysia's financial stability and economic recovery. Likewise, a weak economy and volatile financial markets reduce the chances of a successful transition to full democracy.
Since Umno must choose a viable partner in post-GE15, I hope Zahid's speech is all about positive things, without criticising Bersatu much, raking the past during Bersatu in the Pakatan Harapan regime, how Pas is 'running away' from Muafakat Nasional and how PKR and other parties had worked with who and who.
The people would rather want to listen to a 'big-hearted' Zahid and a moderate Umno. What happened after GE14 when some MPs abandoned it for Bersatu, should be put behind. Yes, the sentiment is still there but if Zahid asks them to 'forgive and forget', they will do. Just like when Gerakan was formed as the MCA splinter party, IPF from MIC and Amanah from Pas.
By logic, instead of having so many Malay parties, it is Bersatu and Amanah that should be dissolved and their members joining Umno or Pas again. They are the smaller ones.
To me, no point mentioning about the past. Of course Umno has every right to take up the lost seats in the deserters' constituency - which Bersatu must admit - but Umno will never get those MPs back. Just move on, forget about them.
I am convinced that a prudent speech by Zahid will augur well for the whole nation and in getting the respect and sympathy of the people. We cannot apply enough coolant to the heat but at least he will be remembered as a leader who wanted to Umno to revive and standing tall again. Again, I would like to hear the president urging members to focus on the GE instead of criticising the betrayals.
No vengeance. What past is past. Umno must be steered on the right track again. Moving on is the punchline. What happened is a black spot to the party 75-year slalom.
Frankly, I am sick thinking of what Bersatu has done to Umno. However, thinking much of it will only land me in a land of hatred. I want new openings for Umno. The party must make a comeback in GE15 and lead Putrajaya in admiration and full respect of the people.
Another thing, Umno cannot afford to lose any single seat in the GE. It cannot chop off any incumbent deemed as 'party troublemakers'. If they can secure a seat, why not we field them again? We need winnable candidates, right? As long as they are Umno, capitalise on their potential. Party sentiments aside!
I am sure that he will call members to close ranks again, how they should 'rapatkan saf' and forget bickering among them. This is the big-heart Zahid!
I hope to see a well-revived Umno, its for Malaysians as well. Zahid has the right formula to move forward the party again in a honorable manner. We must look at positive ways... dont be haunted by yesterday's bad dream!
This is my personal take. Again, no offend please!

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