امنو هيلڠ ‘مڬنيت’ تاريق ڤمودا ستله ڤچت خيري – اسماعيل صبري
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Shutting out dissenting voices of youths is a disservice to Umno, says party vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Citing the sacking of Khairy Jamaluddin and suspension of Shahril Hamdan recently, the former prime minister said this was as good as removing the “magnet” that attracted youths to the party.
“Without them, what hope do the youths have? The ‘magnet’ (drawing them to the party) is no more.
“That is why when youth personalities are sacked or suspended, it only worsens Umno’s position,” he said
PETALING JAYA: Shutting out dissenting voices of youths is a disservice to Umno, says party vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Citing the sacking of Khairy Jamaluddin and suspension of Shahril Hamdan recently, the former prime minister said this was as good as removing the “magnet” that attracted youths to the party.
“Youths want straight-talking people. Khairy is a youth icon and Shahril speaks what is on his mind.
“Without them, what hope do the youths have? The ‘magnet’ (drawing them to the party) is no more.
“That is why when youth personalities are sacked or suspended, it only worsens Umno’s position,” he said in an interview with Sinar Harian.
Ismail said when he was with Umno Youth as an exco member, he voiced out against then president Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s move to have the subjects of mathematics and science taught in English in schools.
“But now we don’t see many speaking up,” the Bera MP said.
Ismail said Dr Akmal Saleh, who is vying for the Umno Youth chief’s post, should voice out the party’s weaknesses.
“If the leadership makes a mistake or goes against the party’s constitution, they should speak up.”
Ismail said he was not worried about how his comments would be perceived by Umno’s top leadership, saying party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi welcomed differences in opinion.
“For a party this old and mature, what I am saying today is constructive and positive.
“I thank the president for saying Umno will accept opinions and differing views.”
Ismail urged the party to unite, for when they are split, the party’s supporter base would also weaken.
“Look at Anwar Ibrahim, Shafie Apdal and Muhyiddin Yassin.
“All their followers left to join them after they were sacked from Umno. Can you imagine what is happening at the grassroots level now?”
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