UMNO Must Use AI To Adapt To Political Dynamics - Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- UMNO must leverage technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to make strides in addressing current political dynamics, said UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi .

He  said that the party needs to be prepared for new technological developments as they represent a new reality in the country's politics.

“The political landscape and reality have changed; in making progress, we must also be ready to face new technological advancements... new technologies must be embraced and utilised, especially AI.

"This is the new political reality as suggested by the UMNO Youth chief (Dr Akmal Saleh). We can never escape from reality; this is a digital world with new technology. We must utilise it... hence, we want the next 50 years to see these advancements,” he said.

He said this in his winding up speech at the UMNO General Assembly 2024 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

Ahmad Zahid also noted that UMNO is fortunate as all three wings — Wanita, Youth and Puteri — have already embraced digital technology in their new leadership methods.

At a media conference after the general assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister added that UMNO must make changes in its approach to engaging voters, particularly the younger demographic.

“In reality, a change in approach is necessary, especially in adopting new technologies for political communication to connect with and address voters, especially young voters, using new methods that we may have previously overlooked or not focused on,” he said.

Apart from this, Ahmad Zahid said that the party will streamline efforts between the Youth and Puteri wings to focus on new voters.

“Specifically, to focus on new voters or young people, we are consolidating cooperation between Youth and Puteri (wings) to ensure a coordinated approach at the parliamentary and state constituency levels. We are confident this can be achieved,” he said.

In his winding up speech, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, announced the implementation of the Women Entrepreneurs Empowerment Programme by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), which will be held in all 191 UMNO divisions nationwide.

“As the minister responsible for MARA, I have approved this,” he said in response to a proposal from Wanita UMNO delegates requesting assistance for female entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.

Ahmad Zahid also approved a proposal brought by Puteri UMNO  delegates for a National Retail Women’s Entrepreneurs Programme in collaboration with BH Petrol to enhance and empower its economic movement.

-- BERNAMA