I wish to become the initiator to problem solutions, not a troublemaker to Umno : Mukhriz

Mukhriz Wants Umno Youth To Have NGO Mindset

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth chief aspirant Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said the movement should play the role and have the mindset like a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that champions only the interests of the people.
To remain relevant, Umno Youth should also have the voice of a pressure group within the government or during a face-off with the opposition, he said in an interview with Bernama.
He said Umno Youth was not supposed to be the government's official voice but dare to express views through the party's Supreme Council pertaining to particular decisions of the government. "To become like an NGO, we have to play the role and have the mindset of an NGO," said the 44-year-old Umno Youth executive council member and Jerlun member of Parliament who stands in the three-cornered fight for the movement's top post in next week's party polls.
The other contenders are present vice chief Khairy Jamaluddin and party Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
Mukhkriz said that among the challenges faced by the movement was how to help Barisan Nasional (BN) manage its success of governing the country over the past five decades.
The failure to manage success was one of the reasons why the people, particularly the younger generations, switched to the opposition in last year's general election, he said.
Asked why he decided to vie for the Umno Youth post instead of a seat in the party's Supreme Council, he said: "This election determines whether Umno will live or die.
"In the next general election, there will be about 1.5 million new young voters. With the 51 percent popular votes (garnered in the last election) we are like an egg at the tip of a horn and also we have the votes from Sabah and Sarawak.
"If one percent swing, the government will fall into the hands of the opposition," he said.
He said the challenge to be borne by the new Umno Youth head was very heavy especially since the party would be facing by-elections in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai two weeks after the March 25 movement election.
"I wish to become the initiator to problem solutions, not a troublemaker to Umno," said Mukhriz, known as a young outspoken critic of the present leadership after last year's general election.
About people's perception that he was in Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's shadow, Mukhriz said he was proud of his father and was unable to run away from the fact that his father was the former prime minister.
"I strongly hold to the principles of the struggle. Everyone has his own principles. My father, since he was young, is known as a person with principles and has always put the party above family and personal interests," he said.
Asked what he would do if elected as the Umno Youth chief, Mukhriz said he would let everybody judge all his actions.

tunku : we need a new umno youth chief which will be the initiator to problem solutions and not a troublemaker or becomes the problem and liability to umno. we need an umno youth chief which will not be in the cabinet so that he is free from being yes man to the government.he can act more freely and put the people interest first above all especially the government.by this, for sure umno will attract more youth and will be a party where people look forward to come and seek help or advice once again. we wish mukhriz all the best.for umno delegates next week, if you love your party and country,VOTE FOR MUKHRIZ.