Hishammuddin backs suggestion 30 percent young candidate at GE14

UMNO Vice-President Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein backs the proposal by the Youth and Puteri wings that 30 per cent of candidates for the 14th General Election (GE-14) comprise the young.

Hishammuddin, who is also the Minister of Defence, agreed that the second liners be given a chance, but stressed that the candidates must be accepted and received the support of the people.

"However, I believe, no matter how great a support one receives from the party, if it is not reciprocated outside, our party will be adversely affected," he said when met by reporters after visiting the UMNO Youth Assembly at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here, Wednesday.

Earlier, UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, when delivering his policy speech at the movement's assembly, wanted the party leadership to give the opportunity to young candidates to prove their mettle at the GE-14.

Khairy, who suggested that 30 per cent of the GE-14 candidates comprised young candidates, said he concurred with Puteri chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin in suggesting the 30 per cent target, in a move to rejuvenate the party heading to GE-14.

-- BERNAMA