‘CHOOSE LEADERS WITH CALIBRE’
They must bring new life to party, says Mustapha
UMNO delegates must be wise in choosing the party’s top leadership following the decision of its Supreme Council in allowing the posts to be open for contest to all.
Umno Veterans secretary-general Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said he welcomed the move and reminded nominated members to “free themselves” from the previous leadership.
“Delegates must be wise in determining candidates who can revive the party.
“The nomination of candidates starts at the branch level, so we ask the branches to select them wisely as Umno is in need of a rejuvenation and new breath of life.
“We want leaders with calibre and who are able to give new life to Umno in efforts to revive our spirit after our defeat (in the 14th General Election).
“Division leaders who have held their positions for several terms but failed to improve the image of the party should give a chance to new faces if we want a transformation at the central level.”
On Tuesday, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is carrying out duties of the president, announced that the party’s top positions, including president, deputy, vice-presidents and wing chiefs, would be contested in the coming polls.
The suggestion was mooted by Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and supported by several states and division leaders.
Mustapha said if old faces were given an opportunity to lead Umno, either at the central or divisional levels, they must be willing to change for the sake of the party.
He said if they (the old faces) were previously arrogant, felt superior and refused to listen to others, they must now be able to discard such attitude.
“I see a high possibility of old faces being re-elected. Umno veterans hope that the delegates are wiser (this time around).
“If we want a change to save Umno, delegates must be able to put aside their friends’ past deeds. The previous leadership has failed and is now a liability to Umno.”