We must capture the 'Malay-Belts', to make the Malays truly inclusive - Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR - Umno sets its sights on securing victory in the state polls of Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, collectively known as the 'Malay Belt,' with the aim of preventing these states from being entangled in a divisive political landscape.

The party's goal to conquer the Malay-heartlands was announced by President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his policy speech today at Umno's 2023 general meeting at its headquarters at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre, here, today.

"It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the Malay community and the people in these states become part of a truly inclusive government.

"Umno must win (in said states) if we genuinely desire to see Islam and the Malays flourish, unity within the government in Putrajaya will strengthen the moderate and progressive agenda of Islam and the Malays," stressed the Bagan Datuk MP.

The time, Zahid continued, has come for the children of Kelantan, Kedah, and Terengganu who reside abroad to contemplate the fate of their parents who remain in these respective states.

"Let us not allow our parents to continue facing ongoing hardships while we, just for the sake of a single vote, neglect their well-being.

"This is the moment for us to stand together with the Madani Government," added Zahid who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.

In last year's 15th General Election (GE15), Umno failed to win a single parliamentary seats from Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Apart from the aforementioned three states, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan will also go to the polls this year as they too did not dissolve their respective state legislative assemblies and hold their election in tandem with GE15.