Important for Umno to make some changes, says DPM

(The Star) PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will propose to Umno delegates that the next general assembly be used to discuss amendments to the party’s constitution to enable it to change election rules and practices.

The Deputy Prime Minister said it was important for Umno to make the changes if it was to be accepted by the people.

“I hope the delegates will agree to my suggestion that the next general assembly discuss the amendments so that we can revamp the party’s structure to correct the public perception about us,” he said in a dialogue telecast live over RTM1 last night.

The next assembly is due to be held at the end of the year.

Najib said that once he takes over the helm of the country, he would also make changes in the implementation of the New Economic Policy.

“We will go back to the spirit of the NEP – to eradicate poverty among all races.

“At the moment, the policy is seen as a tool to help only certain groups of Malays which has caused some dissatisfaction,” he added.

The changes to the NEP, he said, would ensure that only the group that really needed help would be aided by the government.

To a question, Najib said he would not be given much time by the people to prove his ability.

“I am sure that I will have less than 100 days of honeymoon period.

“I will be tested on two things. The first is on the choice of my Cabinet line-up, whether it fulfils the people’s expectation and the second is my first policy speech as Prime Minister. They will want to see the direction that I want to take the country to.

“If what I want to do is not accepted by the people, then the party and the government are in for a very difficult time,” he added.