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KUALA LUMPUR – The upcoming 2023 Umno general assembly will feature discussions on issues faced by the six states heading for elections this year, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
The former party secretary-general said that some of the topics expected to be brought up include water troubles in Kelantan as well as claims that Penang belongs to Kedah.
According to the New Straits Times, Ahmad said that matters debated by delegates will help the party improve its election strategy and machinery ahead of the state polls, which are expected to take place in the coming months.
“Delegates from Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah are encouraged to raise issues affecting their states," he was quoted as saying.
“In Kelantan, for example, there’s the never-ending issue of water supply, while in Kedah, there is the issue of them staking a claim on Penang.
“These are examples of issues that can be raised at the assembly, as well as others that affect the people,” the Pontian MP added.
Water woes in Kelantan have been a long-term issue, with its administration requesting an RM8 billion allocation from the federal government to address the matter.
The request has however since been rejected, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim saying that Putrajaya will look into the details of the proposed expenditure before agreeing to an amount.
Meanwhile, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor recently courted controversy after alleging that Kedah and Penang do not have a border because Penang still belongs to Kedah.
The Umno general assembly is scheduled to take place from June 7 to 10.
On another matter, Ahmad, who is also deputy finance minister, said that delegates should take the opportunity presented by the assembly to table strategies on how to attract voters in the looming state polls.
“This general assembly must serve as the opener for state elections. Holding it now has given plenty of room to Umno to prepare for the polls, which are expected to be hotly contested,” he said.
“Umno, as one of the main parties in the unity government, has to help the other candidates in the polls in order to strengthen the unity government.” – The Vibes, June 4, 2023