‘Umno members want change’

PETALING JAYA: The results of Umno’s recent polls show that it is heading in the right direction as members had voted for change, say political analysts.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said those recently elected to head the Youth (Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki), Wanita (Datuk Noraini Ahmad) and Puteri (Datuk Zahida Zarik Khan) wings show they want change.

“The election of Asyraf, Noraini and Zahida shows that Umno members do not want the old guard.

“Asyraf’s win is a very clear sign from members because he was never part of (former Youth chief) Khairy Jamaludin’s group.”

He added this change must now be translated to the post of president, deputy president and vice-presidents.

On 74 of the 191 division chiefs retaining their positions, 108 Wanita chiefs keeping their positions without a fight, 85 Umno Youth chiefs and 126 Puteri Umno chiefs too, he said this might show they have strong influence in their divisions.

Azmi said these leaders must have proved themselves to be capable and charismatic, therefore they were not challenged.

He said these wins must be looked at on a case-by-case basis but it does not reflect the overall picture where members want change.

National Defence University Politics and International Relations Prof Aruna Gopinath said it is very clear that Umno and other Barisan Nasional parties are worried at the way Pakatan Harapan beat them in the general election.

“There is an urgent need for reform but it must come from within. It is important that all BN component parties think about change but they must remember that they cannot think just about themselves.”

She added the election of young blood shows that Umno wants progress but they must remember that the people are thinking about a new Malaysia, the old ways no longer work.

Aruna said those who got elected in Umno must realise that any proposed policy should be good for all Malaysians, not just one group.

“It is important that the new faces in Umno work in harmony with the older generation for the progress of the country.”

She said politicians must remember the people have spoken, and they (politicians) must think about what is good for the nation.