Umno should retire 'old horses' to win GE15 race - party leader
Umno should rid its stable of 'old horses' and introduce younger candidates to win the race in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15), said Johor Umno deputy chairperson Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
He used the analogy to describe a group of Umno elected representatives who have been holding onto their seats for several terms but are no longer dedicated to Umno or BN.
"The main focus is on 'old horses' who all this while were...
Umno should rid its stable of 'old horses' and introduce younger candidates to win the race in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15), said Johor Umno deputy chairperson Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
He used the analogy to describe a group of Umno elected representatives who have been holding onto their seats for several terms but are no longer dedicated to Umno or BN.
"The main focus is on 'old horses' who all this while were busy managing affairs of other parties and coalitions over Umno and BN.
"It’s these old horses that caused a lot of damage in the party, triggering confusion among grassroots," said Jazlan (above), who is the Pulai Umno division chief, in a Facebook post today.
"They speak on behalf of Bersatu and PAS, aside from questioning decisions and stands taken by Umno.
"Once they are done being Bersatu's spokespersons, these old horses are busy managing PN (Perikatan Nasional)'s affairs.
"They talk more about strengthening PN and the government, while they became a minister on Umno's quota. Typical of someone with no self-awareness," said Jazlan.
At the same time, he said his remarks were not meant to sideline all senior Umno elected representatives, as they could still serve the party to mentor younger candidates or be part of a more balanced candidate line-up for GE15.
Reflecting on BN's success in the last Johor state election, he said the same winning formula of introducing 40 percent new candidates can be adopted at all levels.
"The MPs and state assemblymembers who have contested and won for several terms, it’s best that they are retired.
"Some of them have been around for 20 to 30 years, the people keep seeing the same old person as their elected representative," he said.
'No sabotage of young candidates'
Jazlan also urged those not chosen as Umno’s election candidates to not "sabotage" those who are.
"Don't boycott the campaigns, do not instigate voters, and do not stoke fires so that our own party's candidate loses.
"Division chiefs and all division machinery should assist in the campaign of anyone entrusted by the party to contest," he said.
At the same time, Jazlan said Umno should look at its opponents' internal line-up reforms, particularly within PKR, DAP, and Muda.
"Now only Umno, PAS, and Amanah are left being led by mostly 'old horses'.
"It can't be that we want Umno to be like Pejuang that is formed and comprise members who appear to live in the Jurassic era?" he said in a swipe at former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
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