Bung orders Sabah Umno to engage new teen voters

Sabah Umno divisions and branches have received an order to promptly identify and approach 18-year-old individuals who are automatically registered as voters, according to a statement by Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. Bung emphasized the importance of focusing on this group of young voters, as they play a critical role in determining the winners of elections. During the recently concluded elections in six states in Peninsular Malaysia, voters aged 18 to 20 accounted for 16%, or 6.9 million, of new voters and significantly influenced the support for political parties.

Bung mentioned that young voters are primarily influenced by social media campaigns and generally lack a proper understanding of political trends. He stressed the need for Umno to intensify its campaign efforts and engage with these young voters to help them comprehend the country’s political situation. Unlike older voters, many of these young voters do not have affiliations with any political party or fixed principles. Bung believes it is essential to provide them with clear and accurate information about the party’s policies, struggles, and government programs aimed at improving their economic status.

Additionally, Bung stated that approaching these young individuals will motivate them to rally behind Umno’s cause. He called on the party’s Youth and Puteri wings to fulfill their role in winning over new voters. Expressing his gratitude towards the Sabah Barisan Nasional machinery for their campaign efforts in the recent Selangor state election, Bung acknowledged the eroded support for Barisan and urged actions to strengthen the party.

Bung emphasized that everyone in the party must take responsibility for the decline in support and should refrain from blaming Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi or demanding his resignation. He stated that Sabah Umno will continue supporting the party president, attributing the decline in support to various factors. Bung emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough postmortem analysis to identify weaknesses and called for all party leaders at the national, state, division, and branch levels to shoulder this responsibility.