Umno vice-president Shafie Apdal wants the party leadership to listen to what the grassroots have to say after fiery motions were debated at Semporna Umno Youth annual general meeting (AGM) today.

The outspoken vice-president said listening to grassroots concerns was a tradition of the party which helped keep it relevant and up-to-date all these years.

"We need to listen to the grassroots to help strengthen the party. Do not dismiss the grassroots voices.

“It is important so that the party remains as a choice for the younger generation," he told the press in an event in Semporna today.

Shafie ( photo ) said this after he was asked about the three controversial motions by Semporna Umno Youth concerning Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Among the most controversial motions by the Semporna Umno Youth AGM was to demand that the 18-month postponement of the Umno elections be rescinded and polls be reinstated as scheduled next year.

On June 26, Najib had announced the postponement of Umno's internal polls, which he claimed was the unanimous decision of the supreme council.

The other two motions by Semporna Umno Youth called for Najib to go on leave and for the 1MDB issue to be dealt with in a transparent manner.

Shafie, who is Semporna Umno division chief, supported the call for transparency in the 1MDB investigation to ensure the government's institutions would be respected and trusted worldwide.

The main division of Semporna Umno will hold its meet tomorrow.

'Final decision with leaders'

Asked to comment on the Bank Negara investigation regarding the 1MDB affair said it was important for the outcome to be made known.

"I don't know (to what extent is the investigation) but what's important is that there is evaluation and transparency to ensure the investigation by Bank Negara or others are made known so that the institutions tasked with the (1MDB) investigation will be trusted by everyone including those on the  international side," he said.

Umno youth vice-chief Khairul Azwan Harun ( photo ), who officiated the Semporna Youth AGM, agreed with Shafie that grassroots voices should be heard and represented in avenues such as the main Umno AGM.

However, he said the last word lies with the top leadership and every Umno member should respect a decision once it was made.

"I have heard the (Semporna) youth chief's speech and there are views that the top leadership could take note of.

"I don't want to elaborate on it but today we accepted the views and heard the heartfelt plea of the grassroots.

“I am confident the president can hear it to. However, the decision lies in the hand of the leadership and once it made, it should be respected by all members," he said.