Legal action will be initiated against individuals who defame UMNO party leaders, as announced by Asyraf.
**Umno Enhances Election Strategy with New Initiatives**
Malaysia's United Malays National Organisation (Umno) has announced two significant new strategies aimed at addressing defamatory content online and engaging with outstation voters ahead of the next general election.
Firstly, Umno has established a Legal Secretariat at its headquarters to tackle defamatory content involving the party and its leadership. The move comes in response to the rampant misuse of social media to attack Umno leaders and marks a shift from the party's previous approach, which had not traditionally relied on lawsuits or legal notices. The Legal Secretariat will take firm legal action against individuals who spread slander or tarnish the reputation of Umno leaders, following the practices already used by other political parties to counter false allegations and negative perceptions.
Secondly, Umno has approved the formation of an Outstation Voters Department. This strategic initiative aims to connect with voters residing outside their home constituencies, particularly important ahead of the next general election. The department will conduct targeted programs and provide continuous support to these voters, targeting areas with high concentrations of voters, such as the Klang Valley and Selangor, where nearly 40% of voters in some parliamentary constituencies reside. The Outstation Voters Department was proposed by the Bukit Bintang division of Umno and approved at the recent Supreme Council meeting to aid Umno and Barisan Nasional's electoral efforts.
These actions demonstrate Umno's dual approach to safeguarding its image from online defamation while strengthening ties with key voter demographics ahead of elections. The party is responding more assertively to defamatory content due to the need to hold irresponsible individuals accountable, while the Outstation Voters Department is a response to the high concentration of voters in urban areas. It is important to note that the Outstation Voters Department is not related to the Legal Secretariat established by Umno to monitor and address defamatory content involving the party and its leadership.
[1] The Star Online. (2021, February 26). Umno to establish outstation voters department. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/02/26/umno-to-establish-outstation-voters-department [2] Malay Mail. (2021, February 26). Umno to establish outstation voters department to engage with voters outside their home constituencies. Retrieved from https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/02/26/umno-to-establish-outstation-voters-department-to-engage-with-voters-outside-their-home-constituencies/1910955 [3] Free Malaysia Today. (2021, February 26). Umno to set up department to engage with outstation voters. Retrieved from https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/02/26/umno-to-set-up-department-to-engage-with-outstation-voters/ [4] New Straits Times. (2021, February 26). Umno to establish outstation voters department. Retrieved from https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/02/692582/umno-establish-outstation-voters-department
- The United Malays National Organisation (Umno) has taken a new approach to combat slander against its leaders by establishing a Legal Secretariat to take firm legal action against individuals spreading defamatory content.
- In preparation for the next general election, Umno has formed an Outstation Voters Department to connect with voters residing outside their home constituencies, with a focus on high concentration areas like the Klang Valley and Selangor.
- The announcement of these new strategies by Umno reflects their focus on addressing online defamation and engaging with key voter demographics in the field of Malaysia's politics and policy-and-legislation.
- The General News coverage highlights the significance of Umno's moves, as they indicate a more assertive stance in holding irresponsible individuals accountable and strengthening ties with outstation voters.
