Umno dead in 10 years if it won't change to attract youths - Jazlan
Umno will "wither and die" in 10 years unless the party embraces changes brought about by an estimated four million new voters aged 18 and above in the coming 15th general election (GE15).
In issuing the warning, Johor Umno deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed predicted that young voters will dominate and shape future elections, leaving Umno behind with a dwindling number of older supporters.
"If Umno wishes to win the hearts of these new and young voters, Umno must...
Umno will "wither and die" in 10 years unless the party embraces changes brought about by an estimated four million new voters aged 18 and above in the coming 15th general election (GE15).
In issuing the warning, Johor Umno deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed predicted that young voters will dominate and shape future elections, leaving Umno behind with a dwindling number of older supporters.
"If Umno wishes to win the hearts of these new and young voters, Umno must change in various aspects - change of mindset, change of approach, change of leadership, and change of candidates in GE15.
"Do we just want to see other parties like DAP, PKR, and Muda influence these youths without Umno putting in efforts towards the same direction?" asked the former Pulai MP in a statement.
"Umno can no longer just rely on existing mature voters when there's an opportunity to attract support from 18-year-old voters," he added.
As such, Jazlan expressed support for Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s call for BN’s Selangor leadership to make room for young and professional candidates.
At the Selangor BN Convention last month, Zahid urged coalition leaders to make room for younger candidates to be fielded to wrest the state from Pakatan Harapan.
Jazlan cited Zahid's reminder for "BN's warlords" to accept youths and professionals as GE15 candidates, adding that the suggestion should be adopted across all states.
"If the Umno president's views can be accepted with an open heart, in the spirit of upholding the party's struggle, I'm certain Umno and BN's future will shine," he added.
'Youths fed up with race-religion politics'
Once an Umno Youth leader, Jazlan said the current generation has largely moved away from rhetorics of race and religion in politics, instead opting for movement-based politics that aspire for change.
"That is why when there are parties organising flash mobs, petitions, or political protests, we see a lot of youth participation.
"So much so, there are youths who will support a politician talking about legalising cannabis," he said in a swipe at Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
"So Umno must change to follow the current trend, but with a rational approach to capture the hearts of these young voters.
"Otherwise, it would be difficult for Umno to bring along the youths for its future ride," he said.
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