Umno Overseas Clubs chief to contest Youth top post

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Overseas Clubs chairman Wan Md Hazlin Agyl Wan Hassan is contesting the Umno Youth chief’s post in the party polls this month.

Wan Agyl, who announced his decision to contest yesterday, will face five others in the race for the post, which will be vacated by Khairy Jamaluddin.

Other candidates interested in the post include Umno Youth deputy chief Khairul Azwan Harun, former deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos.

Pahang Umno Youth chief Mohd Shahar Abdullah, Bandar Taman Cempaka Umno Youth information chief Syed Rosli Jamalullail Syed Harman are also gunning for the post.

In an open letter to Umno, Wan Agyl said he wanted to take over the Umno Youth chief post to restore people’s trust in the party and Barisan Nasional.

“This is not just a manifesto or promise. The survival of Umno depends on a revolution that must take place in tandem with the pulse of the people.

“The image of the common folk must be upheld and the elitist image must be purged from Umno’s DNA. Failing which, Umno’s existence in the country’s political arena will be sacrificed.”

He said many anticipated a change in Umno following its poor performance in the recent polls.

He said Umno Youth played an important role in representing the voice of the youth.

“The gap between Umno and the youth must be closed to increase support for the party. It is time for Umno Youth to be led by fresh and energetic new leaders to revive the spirit of Umno.

“For the first time, the election of the party’s central leadership has caught the attention of all Malaysians, regardless of their political leanings. Everyone will observe how Umno goes through this new phase,” he said.

The image of the common folk must be upheld and the elitist image must be purged from Umno’s DNA. WAN MD HAZLIN AGYL WAN HASSAN

Umno Overseas Clubs chairman