JOHOR BARU: The existing pool of professionals in Umno must step forward to contribute more to the party and nation, said Johor Umno liaison committee chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the large pool of talent had yet to be fully tapped into, and they must play a bigger role as it will ensure the party remained relevant to the people.
"Umno has a large pool of talent which is not tapped into seriously. This must change and will change. This matter must be corrected. Their talent and potential must be brought forth for the benefit of the party and people," he said when addressing almost 1,000 Johor Umno leaders and members at the launch of the Johor Umno think tank, Bait al-Amanah here.
Khaled said the enhancements made in Umno must be spearheaded by the professionals in the party, who cannot remain mere observers.
"They are not using their knowledge and experience to bring success to the party and the people's agenda. Johor Umno will open opportunities for them so that professionals could come forward to contribute their expertise, knowledge and experience," he said.
He said if Umno wishes to continue being respected, it would depend on the role played by the professionals and educated in its fold.
"They (professionals) are respected for their knowledge, experience and contribution. They must come forward to play a bigger role in the party," he said.
He said the focus on boosting the roles of professionals was part of three agendas by Johor Umno to enhance and rejuvenate its work.
The other two agendas were the setting up of Bait al-Amanah and 'Projek Madani Johor', which focuses on social, community and welfare work.
On the Bait al-Amanah, which means house of trust in Arabic, Khaled said it would not be a platform to make the party look good, but instead become an institute that was independent, critical and vocal about the party's work.
"We do not want to be served with research results that only show nice and positive things, while not showing our weakness. This will not make the party any better or stronger. This is not the way of a progressive Johor Umno," he said, adding the think tank would explore new policies, enhance existing policies and prepare strategic agenda for the Malay struggle for the future.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said the think tank would help tackle issues in the challenging political landscape.
."In the current political landscape with its elements of disunity, hatred and greed, there must be a way to balance these with a constructive approach.
"This inclusive approach by (Bait al-Amanah), which involves the government, party and community will be a combination that will determine the party's survival," he said.
The think tank is chaired by Johor Baru Umno division chief Tan Sri Shahrir Samad, and involves about 300 professionals and experts in many fields.