‘Mukhriz gave me his blessing’
Akhramsyah (in brown) being flanked by his supporters during a press conference.
(The Star) – Umno Youth chief aspirant Akhramsyah Sanusi said he has received endorsement from Kedah Umno chief Datuk Paduka Mukhriz Tun Mahathir to contest the post.
And, I am not being a proxy to any leader, including Mukhriz, to take on incumbent Khairy Jamaluddin, he said.
“Mukhriz has given me his endorsement, just as he has given other candidates from Kedah who will be contesting in the party election,” said Akhramsyah.
“I am grateful for the support and at the same time, I will also throw my support behind him as the candidate for the vice-presidency.
“But this does not mean that I am a proxy. If I am, I want to be one to the grassroots and those who vote for me.”
The contest for the Umno Youth chief post is expected to be a four-cornered fight. Apart from Akhramsyah, it has been reported that a relatively unknown wing member Karim Ali, who is Merbok division Youth chief, and Syed Rosli Syed Harman Jamalullail from Pandan Umno division will be joining the fray.
Akhramsyah, 39, who has a masters degree from London’s Imperial College in chemical engineering and son of former Kedah Mentri Besar Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, admitted to being an “underdog” in the race.
“Khairy has an advantage, being the incumbent and a minister. The party leadership has taken great pains to carry out political transformation so I should use this opportunity to take part in a healthy contest,” he added.
His decision to have a go at the post was prompted by the realisation that many at the grassroots level felt that the movement was no longer playing its role as a pressure group to fight for the Malay agenda.
He observed that the past years saw Malay-based non-governmental organisations emerging to champion the Malays but did so with no political clout.
“I may not be that well-known, but support for me will come from like-minded people who wants Umno Youth to champion for them, to look after their interests and to ensure that well-intended Government policies reach the grassroots,” he stressed.
Should he be successful, Akhramsyah pledged to revive what he believed was the movement’s responsibility – defend the Malay cause.
However, he stressed that his plans for the movement should not be seen as practising right-wing politics.
“What I am offering is based on Islamic principles. The Malays have led the country for decades and what Umno is doing is just a continuity,” he said.
With his campaign motto “Hidup Melayu” (Long Live the Malays), Akhramsyah will be touring the country to introduce himself to Umno Youth members.
