He said that Terengganu Umno had lost power in the state despite its heavy focus on development and service to the people.

Zahid urged the Terengganu Umno leadership to make the most of social media and not rely solely on traditional media.

“Our methods need to change. We need to address issues. Admit that we have failed … we did not win a single parliamentary or state assembly seat in Terengganu,” he said when opening the Besut divisional meeting in Jertih, Bernama reported.

“We should not focus too much on development and service politics; instead, we need to address the issues thrown at us and not remain silent,” he said.

“In terms of development and service politics, no other party does it in Terengganu except Barisan Nasional. Whatever the people’s needs are, the Umno leadership will attend to them. But we still lost,” he was quoted as saying.

“We were clearly rejected because we haven’t changed yet. (Because) what’s in the minds of voters are perceptions, issues and sentiments,” he said.

Terengganu Umno must change by strategising to counter various perceptions and accusations hurled against the party. Members should tackle these issues and not let political rivals continue attacking the party leadership, he said.

However, he did not deny that Umno’s defeat was partly due to internal party issues.

On another matter, Zahid said he would not remain silent and would continue to fight for the well-being of former prime minister Najib Razak.

“As long as I am president, I will continue to fight for Datuk Seri Najib. Issues arise when Umno members themselves create problems. They say Umno talks but does not act. In reality, what we are working on … there are things I cannot publicly share about what we are doing,” he added.