KUALA LUMPUR: Former Umno vice president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has turned to desperate measures to win support from the people ahead of the 14th General Election.
Batu Sapi Umno Youth chief Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said Shafie has been stoking anti-federal sentiments in Sabah and deceive people that he has done a lot for the state when he was in office.
“He is nothing without Umno,” Khairul said in debating the Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin’s policy speech during the wing’s general assembly at Putra World Trade Centre here.
Shafie is now heading opposition Parti Warisan Sabah as its president.
Khairul also called for the party to give more recognition to Youth leaders by giving them greater responsibilities instead of merely using them to make up the numbers in gatherings or events.
“Please do not only look for Umno Youth when you need someone to greet the arrival of the prime minister or his deputy.
“Don't always get us to do the run-of-the-mill party chores year in year out but conveniently leave us out when it is time to name election candidates,” he said to a thunderous applause from the delegates.
He said it is illogical for many old guards in the party who are still holding the rein of leadership without passing the baton to Youth wing leaders.
Nevertheless, he assured those in Umno Youth had always been loyal and would never sabotage one of their own.