Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the transformation process in Umno should take into account the need for the party to move in tandem with the reality of new politics which now coloured the country’s political landscape.
Najib, who is also Umno president, said the party’s success thus far was not a guarantee for future success.
“To remain relevant, Umno has to be willing to carry out transformation that will reflect it as a party which is capable of assuring the future of the Malays and the country,” he said.
As such, he said, Umno, which was established in 1946, should intensify efforts to train leaders at all levels to understand what should be done for the party’s survival and struggle.
“We can no longer accept Umno members without first educating them through certain courses, to mould their thinking, in the context of new environment, new politics – no more the old politics,” said Najib.
He said Umno members who had no understanding of the new politics would be rejected by the people.
“That is why Umno has to adapt, prepare leaders who understand new politics,” he said during a 40-minute interview during which he explained Umno’s challenges, hopes and direction after the 13th general election last May and the party election last October.
Najib said some of the transformation process in the party had been successful, while some had yet to achieve their results.
He also said there was a need to open Umno’s doors to professionals as the move could provide strength to the leadership at the division and branch levels.
Elaborating on that, Najib said branch leaders from the professional group, were normally more influential, especially in the urban areas.
He said the participation of professionals at all levels was seen as capable of luring the local community in an effort to get them to support Umno and Barisan Nasional.
“For that, we should have programmes to get more professionals and Gen Y, especially in the urban areas.
“Our strength is still in the rural areas, but Umno’s strength in the urban areas has to be enhanced,” he added.
On the appointment of the new Supreme Council members, he said they were selected because they could help him helm Umno.
“I try to mix and balance the participation of all groups to strengthen the process of decision making in the party, apart from reflecting the voice of the various groups that we have to consider,” he added.
A total of 25 Supreme Council members were elected by delegates at the party election last October, while 13 additional members were decided by Najib, as party president.
Source/Fuente:http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/12/03/Umno-has-to-embrace-new...
