Don’t Be Complacent With Victory In Nenggiri - Heads Of UMNO Wings

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- UMNO should not become too comfortable or complacent with Barisan Nasional’s (BN) resounding victory in the recent Nenggiri state by-election in Kelantan.

The Wanita, Youth, and Puteri chiefs made the call during their wings’ assemblies, held today in conjunction with the 2024 UMNO General Assembly.

Addressing over 1,000 delegates, Wanita UMNO chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad described the Nenggiri victory as good but unexpected, while reminding members that although UMNO had previously won the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections, the party later lost in the 14th General Election.

“Our success did not come easily. It was achieved through hard work and perseverance. We have much to learn from this victory...regarding our strategy, approach, and spirit.

“Yes, we are happy with the victory in Nenggiri. However, I want to remind everyone not to become complacent. We must not get too comfortable or believe that we are already strong. Let us not think that support can be shifted overnight,” she said.

UMNO Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said that the victory in Nenggiri proves that the party will be loved by the people again, provided it returns to its roots and truly embodies its original struggles.

“The success in Nenggiri should serve as a guideline for everyone, not lead us to indulge in chest-thumping. We can celebrate our victory...(but) we must not let this success lull us into ‘dreams’,” he said, addressing 1,500 delegates.

Meanwhile, Puteri chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi said the victory in the Nenggiri by-election marks a starting point for UMNO’s resurgence, but stressed the importance of avoiding complacency, as the struggle must continue.

“The victory in Nenggiri is a double triumph, as we secured a larger majority compared to other by-elections.

“We are grateful for this victory, but let's not become complacent, given the fragile and swiftly changing political reality. I want to thank the Puteri machinery in Nenggiri for their hard work in ensuring our party’s candidate’s success,” she said.

On Aug 17, BN recaptured the Nenggiri state seat when its candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani won by a majority of 3,352 votes, defeating PAS candidate Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, who represented Perikatan Nasional.

-- BERNAMA