KJ: I’M NOT CONTESTING TO SPLIT VOTES; KU LI ASKS FOR JUST ONE TERM
Party needs a change in image, culture and DNA, says Khairy
STRUCTURAL reforms and restoring the party’s image are among the “complete overhaul” planned by Khairy Jamaluddin if he is elected as Umno president on Saturday.
The former youth and sports minister said Umno was suffering from an image problem arising from the action of certain party leaders, who issued hurtful and harsh statements that did not go down well with the people.
Such follies, he said, not only marred the party’s image, but also cost Umno and Barisan Nasional the 14th General Election.
“Umno was deemed unfriendly to the people. There were party leaders who issued harsh statements that hurt the feelings of people.
“Should Umno continue to operate in the same way, we will be forever punished by the people.
“That said, Umno needs to undergo a total makeover not only involving its image but also the party’s culture and DNA.
“Whether we like it or not, change is inevitable and must be carried out immediately to restore the people’s support towards Umno,” he said in an exclusive interview with Media Prima Bhd reporters yesterday.
The new Umno president, he said, must be strict in carrying out his duties and have long-term plans to ensure that the changes implemented in the party were not only felt among party members, but also the people in general.
“The new Umno president must reprimand party leaders who make statements that do not go down well with the people.
“He needs to stress that such action is not the culture of the new Umno.
“This is to convince the people that the changes in Umno are real, and not just a cosmetic makeover or political rhetoric.”
The former Umno Youth chief dismissed reports suggesting that he was contesting in the party polls to split votes and help former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to win the presidential race.
“I do not have any alliance with anyone. I am contesting to win because I want to bring major changes to the party.
“I have laid out a plan to revive the party, which is stated in my manifesto (for the party election).
“This included establishing a BN shadow cabinet to face the Pakatan Harapan government during the Dewan Rakyat sitting next month.
“The party must undergo a complete overhaul and not changes that last only for one term,” he said.
Khairy and Zahid are in a threecornered contest for the Umno presidency.
The other candidate is Umno veteran and Gua Musang member of parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.