UMNO members must be bold relating party's successes

UMNO members, especially the leaders, should relate the party's success story to the public, and not just rebut criticisms.

Its information chief, Tan Sri Annuar Musa said this would open the eyes of the public, especially Malays and party members on UMNO's efforts in fighting for them.

He said it was the job of every member to tell the story of UMNO's success to the people, including efforts made by the leaders, for instance how Malaysia was still able to sustain itself even in times of a challenging economy.

"Do not be ashamed of talking about this success because the opposition will definitely play up certain issues such as the Goods and Services Tax and the 1Malaysia Development Berhad in order to influence the public," he added.

Annuar was speaking to reporters after the simultaneous opening of the Bagan Serai UMNO division, Women, Youth and Puteri delegates meetings here today.

Annuar said the UMNO branch meetings nationwide which began last Wednesday must be the occasion to explain and resolve all party issues in the run-up to the 14th General Election (GE14).

"Focus on the party's struggles, close ranks, because this way, our leader will become strong and we can be better prepared to face GE14," he noted.

UMNO branch meetings nationwide which began on March 15 are being held until April 30.

On allegations by some parties that UMNO was slow in replying to an issue, Annuar said accurate facts must first be gathered before a clarification could be given, while the influence of new technologies must also be taken into consideration.

"Today, people make defamatory remarks just by the tap of a finger, but answering requires facts to be gathered, which is why the process of answering is not as fast as slandering," he said. - BERNAMA