Umno Youth cannot discount the perception of minor issues played up by the opposition said special officer to Prime Minister Najib Razak’s wife, Rizal Mansor.

Rizal said the perception of minor issues have always been a tool played up by the opposition in raising baseless issues that can cause friction in Umno.

"Through the element of perception, the opposition can ‘poison’ the mindset of youths and influence them to create ‘jealousy and hatred among members.

“It is therefore important to explain minor issues to convince youths that the government and the party’s machinery are on the right track to thwart any attempts by the opposition to tarnish the image of leaders, their wife and family members,” he told reporters after opening the Padang Serai Umno Youth division delegates conference, in Kulim yesterday.

Also present were Padang Serai division Umno Youth chief Raqib Abu Hassan and Padang Serai Umno division chief Asmadi Abu Talib.

Rizal said the opposition would always find ways and means to tarnish the image of leaders by publishing pictures or any material that can change the perception of youths.

- Bernama