Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin on Wednesday officially announced his candidacy for the top post in the movement, adding that “friendship and unity” would be his platform to win delegates’ support.
The Rembau MP said he would be contesting the post not only as a Malay but as a Malaysian who wished to have the voice of the multi-racial youth heard and acted upon.
He made the announcement at his service centre near here at about 4.20pm before a packed press conference. Also present were several state Umno Youth leaders, several exco members and supporters from several states.
He did not name his running mate, saying that anyone was free to contest for the post of deputy.
Khairy said he took time to announce his candidacy as he wanted to meet the youth grassroot members first.
“I could not have made this decision unilaterally. I wanted to gauge the support I had. After traversing the country and talking to the grassroots, I believe I have enough support to go for the top post,” he said.
To date, three others have announced their bid for the top post in the movement. They are former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo, Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who is son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and former exco Datuk Zahid Zainal Abidin.
Asked why he picked Sept 17 to announce his candidacy, Khairy said the date was special to Muslims as it was the day the Quran was revealed.
Khairy said he also hoped to reach out more to young people, including the non-Malays, and find new ways to explain issues deemed sensitive such as Malay rights and the social contract.
“I not only hope to make Umno Youth more vibrant but want to get all youth wings in the component parties to speak in one voice.
“We need a new way of articulating ourselves. I am not contesting as a leader of a Malay youth movement alone but a youth leader for all Malaysians,” he said, adding that the Barisan youth movement should not be exclusive but “inclusive”.
Khairy said although Umno Youth formed the backbone of the Barisan Nasional youth movement, it would continue to engage the component parties in decision-making.
Asked to rate his chances against the three others who had voiced their intention to go for the top post, Khairy said all three are credible and experienced.
“They are all my seniors and I respect their intention to bid for the top post. They have their strengths and good points.
“But the delegates will decide on this and I hope that my friendship and unity platform will win them over,” he said.
Asked if he had the support from the majority of the state Umno youth chiefs and exco members, Khairy said he had a fair chance of winning.
“All of us have a good chance. I think overall I have 30% support. With four people in the fray, I think 30% is okay,” he said in jest.
Khairy said if elected, he would inherit a united Umno Youth from Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein who led the wing for 10 years.
“Datuk Seri Hishammuddin took over the helm of a decimated Umno Youth in 1998 (when several leaders left following the sacking of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and has built a strong foundation.
“I am privileged to have served four years as an exco and another four years as his deputy. I hope to continue the great job he has done,” he said.
Khairy said he also hoped to engage more young people including professionals, members of non-governmental organisations, trade unions and civil servants who have remained apolitical to ensure the voice of the young people is heard.
Wednesday September 17, 2008 MYT 7:27:28 PM The Star
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