Bersatu Needs Soul-Searching, Says Wan Saiful Wan Jan
Kuala Lumpur: Bersatu, a party that has been relying heavily on protest votes from Umno members, needs to do some serious soul-searching to strengthen its foundation, according to a party leader.
Lack of Hardcore Supporters
Wan Saiful Wan Jan, a Supreme Council member, pointed out that the party’s failure to win by-elections since 2022 is a clear indication that the wave of protest votes has faded, and it is time for the party to look elsewhere. He emphasized that Bersatu does not have a strong core of supporters yet, and therefore, it is crucial to focus on expanding the party’s base of support.
Clear Agenda for Malaysians
Wan Saiful stressed that Bersatu must present Malaysians with a clear agenda for the nation, which would enable the party to attract new members and supporters. He believes that the party’s performance in GE15 and the recent state elections in August 2023, where it won 31 parliamentary seats and swept seats in the PAS-led states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, was largely due to the aversion of Umno members to BN’s partnership with PH, especially DAP.
Focus on New Ideas and Proposals
Wan Saiful emphasized that the party must look to offer new ideas and proposals related to the governing of the country, an aspect that analysts have said was sorely lacking in PN. He believes that by offering alternatives to the current government’s policies, Bersatu can generate support among the rakyat and build a strong foundation for the party.
Primary Focus on Bersatu
Wan Saiful acknowledged that fellow PN partners, such as PAS, Gerakan, and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), should also focus on offering new ideas and proposals. However, he maintained that his primary focus is on Bersatu and its development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wan Saiful Wan Jan’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for Bersatu to re-evaluate its strategy and focus on building a strong foundation. The party’s reliance on protest votes is unsustainable in the long run, and it is crucial that it presents a clear agenda for the nation to attract new members and supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main issues facing Bersatu?
A: Lack of hardcore supporters, reliance on protest votes among Umno members, and the need for a clear agenda for the nation.
Q: What is the solution proposed by Wan Saiful Wan Jan?
A: Bersatu should focus on expanding its base of support, presenting a clear agenda for the nation, and offering new ideas and proposals related to the governing of the country.
Q: How does this impact the future of Bersatu?
A: If Bersatu fails to re-evaluate its strategy, it may struggle to maintain its relevance and support in the long run. However, with a clear agenda and a focus on building a strong foundation, the party may be able to attract new members and supporters, ensuring its survival and growth.