Mukhriz out to change Umno

Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir says Umno is in dire straits and he wants to be elected leader of the party’s youth wing in order to save and change Umno.
Mukhriz said this is a written statement after officially announced his intention to contest for the post in Alor Star, Kedah today.
“We have to make sacrifices again if we want to save Umno. I urge all quarters to support me to save and revive Umno. I am ready to take this responsibility and I am confident I’m not alone,” he declared.
Mukhriz argued that Umno problems had occured because the party had left its original struggle which focused on “religion, race and country”.
He added that the results of the 12th general election and the Permatang Pauh by-election had also proven that the public have lost confidence in Umno.
He said the present scenerio surrounding Umno had left Barisan Nasional component parties questioning the party’s credibility and opened up opportunities for the opposition.
“I am aware that among us, there are those who are incapable and lethargic to bring changes. There are also those who believe that Umno would make changes by itself.
“If this is the belief and the attitude of Umno members, don’t be surprise if Umno’s life span expires,” he added.
Restoring public confidence
Mukhriz said that change is necessary to restore public confidence in Umno and party members must cleanse themselves of any bad influences and uphold public interest.
“We must also make sacrifices and reject all practices that are destructive,” he said.
Mukhriz is the second leader after former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo to announce candidacy for the post.
Two other likely candidates are Pahang menteri besar Adnan Yaakob and present Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
Mukhriz, 44, is the youngest son of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Like his father, Mukhriz is a vocal critic of Prime Minister and Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.


Mukhriz going for Umno Youth chief post

ALOR STAR: Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir announced that he will be contesting the Umno Youth chief post if he can get enough nominations.
Mukhriz, the first to officially announce his intention to contest the post, will use the “Dare to Change” slogan as his campaign tagline.
To be eligible for the contest, a candidate needs to garner nominations from at least 20% of the 191 youth divisions. The party elections are scheduled in December.
Some 30 division youth chiefs including five from Sabah turned up to show their support for Mukhriz.
Mukhriz made the announcement at Pondok Maharizan in Titi Gajah at 3.45pm Saturday.
He pledged to re-brand the wing to garner support from the younger generation to ensure Umno remains relevant in the Malaysian political landscape.

tunku : we hope the divisions will give enough nomination to mukhriz and come december the delegates choose the wise man to be their youth leader not the one who wants to bury others.