The elections this time around will determine the survival of Umno : Mukhriz

Umno Youth Elections Crucial To Party's Renewal Process

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- At 11am tomorrow, 791 Umno Youth delegates will cast their votes to elect their new leaders, including the movement's chief, in elections widely seen as crucial in transforming Umno and ensuring the party remains relevant.
The elections this time around will not only test the delegates' maturity but also their humility in listening to the voters' message in the 12th general election last year.
"People want changes; they want incorruptible leaders. The results of the Umno Youth elections will be a test whether the delegates understand the message," political analyst Prof Madya Dr Ahmad Nidzamuddin Sulaiman told Bernama when contacted.
The Umno Youth elections were seen as crucial as most of the 4.9 million young voters in the last general election were seen to have shifted towards the opposition, resulting in the Barisan Nasional (BN) losing its two-third majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
Having won only 51 per cent in popular votes in the election, Umno and BN appear to be in dire situation and more so if one considers the prospect of even a one-per cent vote-swing towards the opposition in the 13th general election about four years from now.
"The elections this time around will determine the survival of Umno. In the 13th general election, there will be about 1.5 million new voters and these are young people," said Jerlun Member of Parliament Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, who is vying for the Umno Youth chief's post.
In fact, the three candidates for the post -- Mukhriz, 44, Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, 43, and Rembau MP who is also the movement's vice-chief Khairy Jamaluddin, 33 -- agree that changes in Umno should start with the movement.
Mukhriz stresses on the need for the Umno Youth to be the pressure group either in or outside the government and act more like a non-governmental organisation, while Mohamad Khir wants the movement to champion the voice of the people and not that of the government.
"If we fail to be the voice of the people, the voters will shift to the opposition," said Mohamad Khir who obtained 62 nominations for the post, the second highest after Mukhriz's 74. Khairy garnered 52 nominations.
Khairy had previously said that it was important to bring Umno Youth back to the masses, with emphasis given on generating the economy at the grassroots level for the sake of the young generation.
"Among the tasks of the Umno Youth is to facilitate access to the various facilities and economic opportunities provided by the government," he said.
Khairy is banking on the tag "Setiakawan" (comraderies) as against's Mohamad Khir's "Pemuda Berani" (Brave Youth) and Mukhriz's "Berani Berubah" (Dare to Change).
A Youth delegate from Perak when met by Bernama described the contest for the movement's top post as tough, and that among the 791 delegates, there were 10 per cent "gray" voters who would determine the outcome.
"The three candidates are tied at 30-30-30, with each being supported by about 30 per cent of the delegates. No single candidate can say they are on the lead as 10 per cent of the delegates will have the final say," said the delegate who declined to be named. Of the three, Mohamad Khir is more experienced having been the Selangor menteri besar but Mukhriz and Khairy also have their own strength. In terms of age, Khairy is the youngest and this will be an asset in getting the young to support the party, while Mukhriz is seen as a vocal leader who often offer alternative views.
The Umno Disciplinary Board's decision, which found Khairy guilty of breaching party ethics but let him off with a stern warning, could influence the polls.
But the question remains -- will the voice of the grassroots be heard in this elections? Will the delegates decide based on the party's aspirations or will there be other factors that influence their voting pattern?
"We cannot blame the delegates if they vote not in accordance with the wishes of the grassroots," Mohamad Khir said. "The delegates know the candidates personally. They know the capabilities of each of us."
Notwithstanding that, political analysts stressed that the delegates should vote based on whether a leader has the ability to bring changes to the party.
The answer to this question will be known tomorrow night when the results of the elections are announced.

tunku : how can khir toyo said that we can't blame the delegates if they vote against the wishes of the grassroots? if they will do that late today, they will break the trust the divisions had given them.does khir want to say that grassroots voice is wrong? khir toyo is more experienced having been the selangor menteri besar but he lost the state to the opposition. kj, what a figure, found guilty with money politics but still given chance to contest.should umno vote him as their youth chief? it would be disaster for umno to choose a leader that is found guilty with money politics and having much liabilities.the best choice for youth chief is mukhriz.