KUALA LUMPUR: The selection of Umno Youth Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin to draw up Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) restructuring plans was apt in an effort to ensure that the parties in the coalition are united in moving in a new course.
Setiawangsa Umno Youth assistant secretary, Fadzmel Fadzil, said the move was timely as BN aimed to meet the demands of the people, especially the youth who yearned for something fresh in the party struggle.
“At the same, I am confident that the good traditions that were passed down from earlier generations would be upheld. This is despite the fact that improvement needs to be carried out on old ways that are no longer relevant.
“Although there is a limited time frame imposed on the drawing up of transformation plans, we believe that this is good start.
“This is to ensure internal changes that would spur bigger transformation in future,” he said in a statement.
Umno vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also carrying duties of party president, had on Tuesday announced that BN and Umno had given the mandate to Umno Youth to draft proposals for party restructuring.
Fadzmel said the change would help Umno and BN to be more progressive and inclusive, while at the same time maintain moderation in their struggle to remain relevant in the eyes of the people.
“The responsibility which now rests on Khairy’s shoulder is a good chance for Umno to alter the existing system after a dismal defeat in the 14th General Election (GE14).
“Umno and other BN component parties need to give their fullest cooperation to Khairy and use this opportunity to reflect, discuss and chart a new course.
“This is crucial to ensure that we are able to maneuver through the new struggle effectively while safeguarding the religion, the people and the country,” he said.