Umno urged to be aggressive in winning young people's hearts

Young leaders, especially in Umno Youth and Puteri wings, should be more aggressive in getting the young people to get to know the party, thus achieving the party's transformation and ensuring continuation of Umno's struggle.

At the time when the young generation (Gen Y) are being deluged with various information, slander and negative perception on Umno, this backbone party of Barisan Nasional (BN) should approach them and understand their aspirations and needs.

How can the BN, especially Umno, win the hearts of the young generation when they are certain quarters which never tire in spreading lies and slander in the social websites?

For veteran leader Tan Sri Badruddin Amiruldin, he said, Umno leaders should be consistent and proactive in efforts to correct the mindset of the young generation by being more approachable to the young people.

The Umno permanent secretary, who has been with the party for 40 years, also expressed the need for party leaders to be humble and moderate, as well as to be sincere in their struggle for the party, without thinking of rewards.

Apart from that, he said, more activities that could inject the basis of Umno's struggle in defending the race, religion and the country should be organised for the young generation to make them better understand Umno.

"Umno Youth and Puteri for example, they certainly understand the aspiration of the young generation better, hence they need for them to be more active in helping the people and at the same time, to be responsible in dispelling accusations, as well as explain Umno's struggle," he added.

Badruddin said with the advent in information technology and the social media, the young generation, comprising educated people, should check and understand issues and use their wisdom to evaluate information they received.

"Do not be easily swayed by slander because in times of anger and hate, we also contribute to the spread of slander and made embarrassing criticisms.

"I am not saying that there is no shortcomings in Umno. Despite the differences in political ideology, do not allow religion and race to be insulted.

"Sometimes, those who spit at Umno and criticise the party also benefit from Umno's struggle," he added.

Badruddin said it was not wrong for the people to criticise Umno for its shortcomings and mistakes, but it should be done in a courteous manner without embarrassing anyone.

At the same time, Umno leaders should also be opened to criticisms, he added.

He said Umno had carried out various transformation to enhance the national potential and capability.

Meanwhile, Umno Education Bureau chairman Tan Sri Prof Dr Ibrahim Shah Abu Shah said Umno had its shortcomings, but these should be looked at in the overall context.

As a result of the power sharing between Umno and the coalition parties, BN has taken the country to an outstanding level in terms of solidarity, economy and education.

"I believe Umno has already done its level best for the good of the Malaysian people, but do they, especially the young generation, think rationally to support the party in the coalition?" he said.

Ibrahim Shah said many studies found that the young Malay generation were more highly educated and had more liberal attitude to the extent that they were perceived to have failed to strengthen their identity. - Norshazlina Nor'azman