Zahid’s reform agenda to revive Umno
Zahid wants to revive party through a slew of reforms
LIMITING the tenure of Umno president to two terms and putting an end to the warlord regime are part of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s game plan to resuscitate the party.
The Umno vice-president vowed to carry out such reforms if he was elected president tomorrow.
He said the changes would be carried out with openness, transparency and in a non-partisan manner to clean the “b a n gsawan” (aristocrat) image beleaguering the party.
“I want to limit the tenure of Umno president to not more than two terms to ensure the culture of meritocracy and civilised leadership system is alive in the party.
“I am also considering forming a special unit comprising professionals and experts to counter money politics.
“We need an integrated and effective approach to eliminate the warlord culture (in Umno),” he told the New Straits Times Press in an exclusive written interview.
Zahid said he also planned to set up an executive advisory council to advise Umno leadership on managing the party and a media council to restore the party’s image among the people.
The six-term Bagan Datuk member of parliament said he had honoured his pledges to ensure the 72-year-old party’s survival by saving Umno from being disbanded by the Registry of Societies.
“Although I am only the acting president, I have kept my promises to Umno members by ensuring this sacred party would not be deregistered by RoS.
“Umno has met the conditions fixed by RoS that party wings, divisions and branches must hold their conferences by the end of the month.”
Zahid was candid when asked to comment on why party delegates should vote for him.
“Former president Datuk Seri Najib Razak has passed the baton to me upon stepping down.
“He wanted me to lead Umno and I take it as an endorsement.
“I have been with the party long enough to acknowledge what is right and wrong, able to separate the fools from the wise.
“My ultimate mission is to help Umno gain back the trust and support from party members and Malaysians.”
Zahid is going up against Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.