UMNO AGM Voicing out concerns and questions related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) imbroglio does not mean that Umno Youth is betraying anybody.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin argued that this was instead a respectable alternative.

Admitting that Umno Youth is facing the situation of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t”, Khairy went on to argue that it was necessary to have the wisdom to consider all the factors.

“Our loyalty must be weighed against justice and the truth. The intention to speak the truth should not be interpreted as betrayal,” Khairy said.

“At the same time, issues faced by the party that have caused a trust deficit among the people must be resolved at all costs.

“The president of the party (Najib Abdul Razak) himself is very aware about how issues such as 1MDB and political donations have marred the image of our leadership, whether at home or abroad," he said.

Pointing out how Najib had asked that he be given time to resolve these issues, Khairy said Umno Youth recognises the prime minister's sincerity in his ongoing efforts to resolve these issues.

“It is clear that positive developments have been made. However, it is the hope of Umno Youth that these initiatives do not stagnate but continue until a clear resolution is reached.

“The issue of 1MDB does not only need the reduction of its debts, but it is just as important to convince the people that no misappropriation of funds occurred.

“The trust deficit among the citizens must be addressed,” Khairy stressed.

Therefore, Khairy said, Umno Youth would continue to be the voice of the people.

'No one should order Youth to be quiet'

“Umno Youth will continue to respect the party regulations and will not go beyond its limits when presenting its views and concerns. However no one should order Umno Youth to be quiet and deny its responsibility to voice the concerns of the people.

“What is black will remain black, and what is white will remain white. The truth will always be our compass. This is the role of Umno Youth – manifesting the heart and voice of the people,” he said.

However, Khairy added, the wing would continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the party leadership to “carry the truth and to correct any false impressions faced by the party”.

“Let this voice come from Umno Youth, which does it while showing great respect to the party, rather than with menacing threats from those who are enemies within - with one foot in the party but with the intention of bringing down this institution for their own individual gain."

Najib has been plagued by issues surrounding his brainchild 1MDB as well as the RM2.6 billion “donation” into his personal bank accounts.

Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin, who currently appears to be sidelined by the party, was sacked as deputy prime minister for becoming increasingly vocal on the 1MDB issue.

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