Umno Election: VP candidate Hasni determined to strengthen Umno

JOHOR BAHRU - Strengthening the party is the primary focus for former Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad who offered himself as a candidate for the Umno vice president candidate in the party's election.

The Simpang Renggam MP said his experience within Umno and the previous state administration will be used for the party to become the true voice of the Malays instead of just warming the unity government Cabinet seat.

"I will use the experience I have to ensure the decision the party makes will prioritise what the grassroots hope for Umno as a vehicle for their struggle.

"Currently we need to mobilise all our energies regardless of the method because Umno at the time had six ministers with one chosen as deputy prime minister, who is also Umno president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi," he told Sinar Harian.

The Benut Assemblyman explained that at the vice president level, the party’s voice and role can be conveyed directly to the Umno president.

"If we feel that having a deputy prime minister from Umno is an advantage to the party’s strength, it should be made clear that we don’t want Umno to be accused of just warming the seats.

"The voice and role of the party must be clear at the time to ensure everything that can be improved will be implemented and to further convince the party," he said.

The former Johor Umno chairman stated that the priority was to strengthen the party and be clear about the party's direction and planning as it faces challenges following the 15th General Election (GE15).

He explained that the average Malay, especially in Johor, showed great hopes for Umno, even though it did not favour the party and was clearly rejected in some states during GE15.

"However, during the Umno election this time, many came forward to offer themselves to be with the party. They want to make Umno remain relevant among Malays.

"Therefore, Umno must continue its struggle; it is still strong, and we can feel it. I am confident that the offer as vice president, in addition to the experience gained in the party and leading the state, can be used to strengthen the party's leadership," he said.

The Pontian Umno division chief also said that his experience in facing the Johor state election, as well as holding the positions of Umno liaison chairman and Johor opposition chief in a stressful situation, was valuable.

Hasni faces several competitors for the position of Umno vice president including the Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Law Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

He would also contest against Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Umno Liaison Board Chairman Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, former rural development minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Umno Supreme Council member, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.