KUALA LUMPUR: Umno leaders and members have been urged to steer clear of the "Yes boss" culture if they are serious about restoring support from the people towards the party.
Umno Youth treasurer Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar stressed on this matter when debating Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's policy speech at the 2023 Umno General Assembly here today.
He also said the movement will continue to speak on issues and remain critical of matters, including ones that contradict the principles of political parties aligned with the unity government.
"There are still many people who care about Umno. They, however, expect Umno to initiate changes from within the party.
"With this in mind, Umno is committed to implementing such changes. There will be no more 'Yes boss,' no more unquestioning obedience, and no more 'you are the best boss' culture within the party.
"This does not mean that we are defying the desires of the party's top leadership. However, we must be willing to accept the truth," he said.
He also defended the decision made by Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh not to invite component parties in the unity government to the wing's delegates' conference on Thursday.
Kurniawan explained that this decision has allowed the wing to address internal matters, including resolving the confusion among the grassroots regarding Umno's decision to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in forming the unity government.
During his speech, Kurniawan lightened the atmosphere by comparing the situation to a Malay idiom, "kubur ibu masih merah, ayah sudah fikir kahwin lain," which literally translates to "the father is already thinking of remarrying immediately after the passing of his wife."
"We should first resolve the internal affairs of the party. Let us focus on restoring the trust of Umno members towards the party.
"Efforts should be directed at educating the grassroots, as many of them remain confused about the party's decision to cooperate with PH and form the unity government.
"There are numerous grassroots members who are concerned that Umno will deviate from its original mission of championing the rights of Malays and Bumiputeras," he added.
Nevertheless, Kurniawan emphasised that all party leaders and members must continue to prioritise political stability and defend the strength of the unity government, as directed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in order to resolve political uncertainties following the 15th General Election. -- Reporting by Adib Povera, Hana Naz Harun, Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi and Qistina Sallehuddin