LETTER | Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki had his first speech vocalised in the recent annual general assembly. As a member of Umno Youth, I believe the newly-chosen youth chief is an iconic leader who can serve new recipes for Umno's survival, and I expected his maiden speech to be substantial.

To me, the recent Umno general assembly is historical, for being the first time it has been held with the party in the opposition. And of course, being the opposition 'tempts' me to delve more substantial values from speeches, especially the one delivered by the Youth chief.

Asyraf, who was in academia before being called to deputise a portfolio in the previous government, has clearly set aspirations for the youth wing. He demanded the party members to readopt the original philosophy of the party to understanding the crucial needs of the Malays.

In his speech, he verbalised that "The party has to be stabilised, and we, the members, have to be allegiant towards redeveloping the party.

"Our focus is clear that we want to return to the origin of Umno's raison d'être - the members should not be apologetic towards resuming Umno's struggles."

Umno should not be perceived as a right-wing conservative party. Umno, in fact, is a party that should be driven by the nuance of wasatiyyah. Umno should remain as a political empire that can be respected for its moderation. Being moderate that what makes a political party loveable.

He debunked the that Umno is the party that tolerates racism to buy votes. Umno's struggles are in fact mirrored from the basic structure doctrine of the Federal Constitution.

Traditionally, the Umno Youth Wing’s assembly is celebrated as a "political festival" that stages orators with their "inspiring" words. Like his predecessors, Asyraf ended his speech with verse, this time from poet Usman Awang. Primarily, his speech enlisted fve main agendas for the party members to adopt:

  • We must champion the people’s cause. The party must be a credible opposition.
  • We must engage with young people from every segment. This includes urbanising youths' minds in rural regions. Removing the public's perception of being the 'elites' should be realised. Umno should now be made a mutual stage for all.
  • We must create inclusivity. Affiliations with other political parties and civil societies are essentials to redefine Umno's journey.
  • Reform agendas must be emphasised. Asyraf wants to initiate a halaqah (small discussion group) to discuss ideas. It is also one of the religious practices of connecting the ukhwah (brotherhood).
  • Lastly, Umno needs cures to relieve the deficit of trust. The party is now in urgency to rebrand as 'no-corruption' party. Asyraf stressed that leaders with no integrity should not be tolerated.

The maiden speech of the Umno’s Youth Chief, to me, has perfectly ignited the embers of struggle.

The journey to regain the rakyat’s trusts begins now.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.