In what is seen as a radical proposal, Keadilan Youth delegates at its second annual general meeting in Sungai Petani, Kedah today suggested that the party's top leadership be selected via direct elections at division level in all states.

Keadilan Youth deputy chief Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who read Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Noor's speech, said such a move could prevent the kind of unhealthy political culture found in Barisan Nasional.

[Mohd Ezam is currently serving a two-year jail sentence in Kajang under the Official Secrets Act.]

Saifuddin said BN leaders usually "abuse their power and punish" those who are not in their camps during nomination of candidates for general elections or party elections.

"But with this kind of mechanism, we can prevent intra-party politicking and promote real democracy," Saifuddin told the 300-odd delegates who congregated at the Min Terk Chinese primary school in Pekan Lama.

Changing a tradition

"The method of nominating and selecting leaders by delegates voting at AGMs instead of party members have been practised too long until it has become a tradition but we like to change that," he added, followed by a loud applause.

Keadilan's AGM, held over two days in Sungai Petani, kicked off this morning with the Youth and Wanita AGM. Party deputy president Abdul Rahman Othman officiated at the opening.

The national AGM will begin tonight with party president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail presenting her speech at 9.

Tomorrow, delegates will debate on her presidential address which is expected to touch on issues like Islamic state, women's socio-economic development and the coming general election.

The 1,300-odd delegates will also deliberate on the amendments to the party's constitution related to the merger with PRM.

Evaluate effectiveness

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said party leaders must be courageous enough to evaluate their own effectiveness.

"Sometimes we forget that we are part of the problem. We must not allow this party to be threatened by any group or faction with selfish interests," he said.

"Keadilan has no place for those who place their personal or group interests above that of the people," he added.

Saifuddin said those who violated the party's discipline should not be tolerated.

"We are going to be tough with those who prefer to play politics instead of confronting our main enemy, BN," he warned, emphasising that Keadilan does not belong to any one person or interest.