A re-start for UMNO
Other than the constitutional amendments, I’m more concerned about the emphasis of Najib on the change of UMNO to a political party looking after the interests of all Malaysians, and not only the Malays and bumiputra.
By LIM SUE GOAN/Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily
While MCA is busy with its party crisis and MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu is wondering whether to stay or leave, UMNO cannot stop and wait for them. UMNO has launched a reform program. Could such a program help them to win the next general elections?
UMNO holds a special assembly sitting together with its annual General Assembly this year. It is seen as an important meeting for the revitalisation and re-start of the party. If UMNO leaders fail to point out the future direction and change the party members’ thinking and attitude, the federal regime may fall into the hand of Pakatan Rakyat in the next general elections.
The proposed amendments to the party’s constitutions involve mainly two aspects, namely the abolition of the nomination quota system and the increase of the number of party members involve in choosing UMNO leaders from the current 2,500 delegates to 146,500 people. The party election will be more open after the abolition of the quota system and those who hold high positions in the party will no longer be unchallengeable as the protection of the quota system will be removed. And the increase of the number of voting delegates will be able to curb money politics as it is more difficult to deal with 146,500 compared to 2,500 people. The decentralisation can promote democracy in the party.
| “In addition, UMNO is expanding its influence among the civil society.” |
However, the amendments involve only the reform of the party’s election procedures, instead of the reform for the separation between the party and the government, struggle objective and open door. Such reform will benefit the party in long term but it does not reach the grass-roots. The termination of racial policies can enhance national competitiveness but only the separation between the party and the government can eliminate corruption. It is hard to attract young people and gain a greater achievements without a reform involving major aspects.
Other than the constitutional amendments, I’m more concerned about the emphasis of Najib on the change of UMNO to a political party looking after the interests of all Malaysians, and not only the Malays and bumiputra. UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin echoed the idea and urged Malays to discard the “siege mentality” and suggested “Malay leadership” to replace “Malay dominance”.
Under the “1Malaysia” concept, UMNO Youth Chief no longer wave the keris, or Malay dagger. The logo of “1Malaysia” can be seen everywhere. After the great victory in the Bagan Pinang by-election and the success of regaining support from some Chinese voters, all UMNO members have determined to win non-Malay votes by their own.
Pakatan Rakyat did not agree with it when Najib introduced the “1Malaysia” slogan. However, the concept is now gradually expanding its influence under the propaganda of the government, as well as the media.
In addition, UMNO is expanding its influence among the civil society. For example, party Deputy President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin has fix Political Key Performance Indicators, including to form networks with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), for UMNO Youth, Wanita and Puteri. UMNO relied only on its three million members and ignored the power of NGOs in the past. But now, the party wants to get close to young intellectuals, professionals, authors, as well as religious and educational leaders. UMNO does not sit still and wait for its doom.
Perhaps, UMNO’s internal adjustments should be called a change, but not a reform. However, Malaysian stock market surged yesterday and the party members are filled with ambition. It seems like the bad luck has passed and how is Pakatan Rakyat going to deal with the re-start of UMNO (a huge organisation)?
