BARISAN Nasional (BN) must not allow itself to be attacked by its opponents as though it is a weak coalition and is on the wrong side of issues, the coalition’s deputy chairman, Mohamad Hasan, said today.

Instead, he said, BN should start attacking its detractors with facts as remaining silent can no longer be the strategy.

“Sometimes I feel disappointed with our silence. The component parties seem incapable of defending us against the vile accusations of our opponents effectively and radically,” he said.

“We are not a party without resources and strength. We have the sources and advantage, so use it.”

Mohamad was officiating at BN’s national convention at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur this morning.

The Umno deputy president, better known as Tok Mat, said the BN machinery must start attacking and exposing Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) and Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) weaknesses.

“The wait-and-see approach and answering only when attacked must end. We must be proactive in exposing PH’s and PN’s failures,” he said.

“We have to be on the offensive and attack, not just be defensive.

“We cannot be last and let BN sink while it is being attacked from all angles by PH and PN.”

The efforts of attacking BN’s opponents must not be left just to certain leaders too, he said.

“If we do nothing, the opposition’s attacks and its perceptions will reach the people,” he said.

“I’ve observed that in these situations, we fail to rebuke the accusations. Even if we did, it is always rhetorical and not done objectively.

“If the counter-attacks are not done strategically or well planned, it will only worsen the situation.”

The Rantau assemblyman said in facing the 15th general election (GE15), BN must counter-attack its opponents with facts and data.

“Our defensive approach so far has painted us as weak and wrong,” he said.

“To win, BN needs information, not perception. GE15 must be based on strategy and facts.

“All our preparations, movements and even officers must be supported by data, planning and achievements.

“We must stop presenting the people with mere perception, otherwise in the end, we will be the victim. While the reality is different.” – June 1, 2022.