SUBANG JAYA, Sept 27 — Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) will identify its general election candidates early to allow them to introduce themselves to voters and to enable the party to make more systematic preparations.

The party’s deputy president, Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, said this move alongside strengthening the party’s machinery and narrative is crucial for Amanah to retain its existing seats and achieve its target of winning more seats in the 16th general election (GE16).

He said Amanah aims to win at least 18 parliamentary seats in GE16, enabling the party to play a greater role in championing the interests of the ummah (Muslim community).

“GE16 must be viewed as an uphill battle as party members cannot afford to be complacent. Instead, they must redouble efforts to strengthen grassroots support including increasing the number of branches and members and streamline the machinery at the Polling District Centre level,” he said while addressing the launch of Selangor Amanah election machinery here today.

Mujahid warned that Amanah risks retaining only one parliamentary seat in GE16 if it fails to strengthen its machinery and voter support.

He noted that based on the party’s internal studies and simulations under certain scenarios, only the Kota Raja parliamentary seat held by Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu appears likely to be retained, while other seats would face significant challenges.

Mujahid added that Amanah must also reinforce the Islam Rahmatan Lil ’Alamin (Islam as a Mercy to All Creation) narrative as the core of its struggle, including convincing Malay and Muslim voters that the party is capable of protecting and championing their interests without sidelining the rights of non-Muslim and non-Malay communities.

He said voter support can shift when voters feel that their security, economic future, and family interests are better assured under a particular party.

Additionally, Mujahid urged Amanah’s leadership to pay closer attention to grassroots members to prevent them from leaving the party, including by acknowledging their sacrifices and looking after their welfare. — Bernama