KUALA LUMPUR: Umno needs to produce new leaders who can build trust among voters in response to the changing political dynamics of the country, said party vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The Titiwangsa member of Parliament said by doing so, Umno can also attract and regain the confidence of the people to be with the party in the country's development agenda.
He said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in his policy speech, stressed that party members must accept the fact that it is difficult for the Barisan Nasional lynchpin party to be dominant in a government after the 15th General Election, despite the party being recognised for its role in achieving the country's independence and development.
"What we need to focus on is that Umno must produce many leaders who can instill and build trust among voters because not everyone wants to join Umno.
"Even though we are a big party, it does not necessarily mean we can be dominant.
"As such, we must improve our approach and work with other parties to rebuild this country in the future," he told reporters.
He also asked all Umno leaders and members to respond to the calls made by Zahid to rise again despite the challenges and setbacks faced by the party.
"There are almost 3.4 million Umno members in the country. No matter how much we lose (in the elections), the party president stressed that we must rise again.
"We must also accept the fact that the world has changed.
"There are also (other political countries in) other countries which are facing a situation where it is difficult for them to become dominant in their respective country's administration.
"We must be prepared to change our approach, which means accepting the reality that we need to cooperate with many parties out there, given that the political dynamics have changed,' he said.