Umno won only 19 of the 108 state seats it contested at last year’s polls in six states and it also performed poorly in the 15th general election (GE15) in November 2022, where it claimed only 26 of the 120 parliamentary seats it contested.

Ampang Umno chief Nadzim Ibrahim said the party continues to engage with voters consistently, which he said was in contrast to some political opponents who make “false electoral promises.”

Nadzim cited Umno’s efforts in the Ampang constituency, which it has not won since 2008 but in which it continues to contribute to the community by distributing food baskets.

“Helping the people is not just part of Umno’s manifesto but is something that has been deeply ingrained in the soul of every Umno member,” he told FMT.

“When someone embodies Umno’s struggle, they will sincerely help the people even without holding a position.”

Nadzim was responding to a recent statement by Umno vice-president Johari Ghani, who said the party had never ceased in its efforts to ensure the welfare of the people was taken care of despite winning only 26 parliamentary seats in GE15.

On March 30, Johari, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said the Malay community is inextricably connected with Umno.

Meanwhile, Libaran Umno chief Suhaimi Nasir said the majority of people “miss the Umno-BN era of 10 years ago”.

He said the public also have fond memories of the aid which Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) provided when it led the government, especially during the festive season.