PEKAN: The discrepancy over the term used for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) youth’s wing is a sign that the party is in disarray, Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.
The Prime Minister said this also showed that youths should not rely on PPBM to protect their interests.
"The opposition is in disarray and deceitful. (PPBM) has said that there is ‘Armada’ in its (party) constitution but there is none. Young people have been lied to.
"(PPBM) drafted its constitution by following Umno's, but it has failed to follow it (in terms of proper drafting of constitution)," he said to loud cheers from the 1,200-strong audience of Pekan Barisan Nasional youth members.
Najib was speaking during the launch of the Pekan BN youth election machinery at the National Service Semarak Camp here today.
On Nov 9, Registry of Societies (RoS) director-general Surayati Ibrahim had reportedly said the regulator had yet to approve the amendment to PPBM's constitution to use the term "Armada" for its Pemuda (youth’s) wing.
She had said using a term that did not exist in the party's constitution was a violation of the Societies Act 1966.
Najib said PPBM's top leadership was under the control of a few former Umno members who were only interested in fulfilling their personal agendas.
"Unlike them, Umno is strong at the garssroots," he said, pointing out at Umno’s programme Jalinan Rakyat Plus (JR Plus) election machinery to marshall support from the people.
"Can we place our hopes in the opposition? Can we place our hopes in DAP? Can we place our hopes in PKR?"
The audience roared “No” in return.
Meanwhile, Najib said he was satisfied with the large turnout at the event which was a testament to the strength of Pekan BN youth.
He said this was important as a large percentage of voters in the next general election would be formed by youths.
"Even if via Facebook, Telegram, WhatsApp, we must get to know them (voters) and visit their houses to extend our assistance such as when they are sick," he said.