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.