KJ denies Umno Youth is being populist by voicing grievances
UMNO AGM Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has denied that the party’s Youth wing is being populist in voicing out public grievances.
Stressing that the Youth wing was not populist, Khairy said those who accused it of such were the ones who did not understand the meaning of the word.
“Do not tell us that Umno Youth’s efforts to act as a messenger of the thoughts and voices of the people are considered treason. If so, it is better to just stitch our lips shut,” he said in his policy speech at the Umno annual general assembly today.
UMNO AGM Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has denied that the party’s Youth wing is being populist in voicing out public grievances.
Stressing that the Youth wing was not populist, Khairy said those who accused it of such were the ones who did not understand the meaning of the word.
“Do not tell us that Umno Youth’s efforts to act as a messenger of the thoughts and voices of the people are considered treason. If so, it is better to just stitch our lips shut,” he said in his policy speech at the Umno annual general assembly today.
Khairy argued that if the wing was indeed populist, it would have promised “the moon, the stars and the sun”, even though it knew that these were unattainable.
“If we wanted to be populist, it is easy for Umno Youth to oppose the goods and services tax (GST), oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) and oppose all attempts to restructure subsidies. It is easy, but irresponsible.
“Umno Youth does not do that. Conversely, we organise forums to explain these issues. We participate in debates and face students to answer all questions and address all grouses," he pointed out.
Khairy added that Umno Youth had taken the initiative to clarify matters with the people, citing the activities of Akademi Kepimpinan Kapten Hussein, which has held dialogues on former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s court case, the TPPA and toll rate hikes, among others.
“What Umno Youth is doing is not populist but it is to ensure that Umno remains popular among the people,” he stressed.
Khairy further questioned if Umno Youth should simply play dumb when issues arise and become a cause of concern for the people.
“When there are big allegations like corruption, fraud and abuse of power, should we simply stay silent and not ask for an explanation?
“When we state our stand, it is not to accuse but it is to explain the situation and cleanse the image of the government and the party in the eyes of the people,” he said.
'Respected and honoured' leaders
Khairy reminded delegates that the people were the ones who determined the party’s political future.
“If the response given is an answer that does not make sense, how will the people accept this? If our response is to only go after the informant without probing the serious allegation, what will the people think?
“If our response is to appear like we are interfering with the investigation, what will the people conclude?” he asked.
Stressing that the Youth wing wants Umno to remain in power, Khairy said for that to materialise, however, is for Umno to win the next general election.
“To win the general election, our leaders have to be respected and honoured by the masses. That is why we raise important issues that are in the minds of the people, especially the youths.
“It is not difficult to be accepted and be popular among the people. If there are allegations, they should be answered quickly and comprehensively.
“Prove that we are transparent and practise good governance. Show everyone that there is nothing we want to hide,” he said.
Umno Youth has been quite vocal in voicing out issues that affect the people.
Prior to the renouncement of the 2016 Budget, it had suggested that the Budget pays more attention to issues such as the rising cost of living among others.
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