Choose leaders wisely - Dr Mahathir

Former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged delegates to choose their leaders wisely, based on the candidates' background and potential to the party.

In remarks made ahead of the Umno elections next month, the former prime minister said that party delegates had a huge responsibility in ensuring that they voted for candidates who had the leadership calibre needed by Umno.

"Don't choose because he (the candidate) is 'my man', (and) you don't care what he does. That sort of thing is bad. People should choose wisely based on their knowledge about the character, personality and potential of the person himself," he said.

Dr Mahathir was speaking to reporters after giving a talk on 'Youth Readiness Towards Vision 2020' at the International Youth Centre in Cheras here on Wednesday.

He noted that the retention of both Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in their posts uncontested proved that the party was solid and united.