KU LI: YOUNG LEADERS MUST TAKE OVER UMNO
‘This will build a party leadership that is trusted by the grassroots’
TENGKU Razaleigh Hamzah wants to see young Umno members take charge of the party come the end of the month, when the party election is held.
The veteran politician said the younger generation of Umno members must come to the fore and contest key posts.
He said this was essential to revolutionise and rebuild the Umno leadership into a line-up that was strong and trusted by the grassroots.
“I discussed this with some young leaders a day or two ago. The young leaders need to contest the posts. Only then will (Umno) have young leaders.
“Do not be afraid, as Allah is always there to help. We (veterans) will help you. We need a new team.
“As for the old ones, people like me, there is no need (to contest).”
Tengku Razaleigh, a popular choice for party president among the grassroots, said he was prepared to help young leaders should they need it.
On calls for him to contest the presidency, he hinted that he was willing to shoulder the responsibility.
“It seems like people would like me to be around. It is not a 5050 thing. If they want me to stand, I will contest.”
However, he said, he did not think he was suited to the post as he was already 81.
“If I was 18, I would marry again. But I am now 81... I left the cabinet in 1985. There are many young and capable leaders who are more educated and have much exposure, so we should allow the young people to lead Umno.”
When it was mentioned that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was still capable of leading the country as a nonagenarian, Tengku Razaleigh said things were different as Dr Mahathir was a “special person”. He said he would scrutinise the list of presidential candidates to see if they could manage Umno.
He asked everyone to be patient and not to push him to make a decision on whether to contest the presidency, especially since there was still a week left before nominations closed.
He said Umno could return stronger and more stable, especially if the party was helmed by young people.
“Umno will be strong again. Umno won’t be weak because the grassroots are everywhere. We meet them everywhere we go.
“These members are not racist. In the kampung, if you meet them, they will look after you, buy you food. They are good people.”