UMNO is being led by a generation of leaders in their 60s and older, while 60% of the population is under the age of 40. This seems like a huge disconnect with Undi18 gearing up to vote in the coming general election.
Without questioning the experience and qualifications of these senior leaders – are they fit for the times? With leadership of this vintage being top-heavy in Umno, does this not hurt the party’s chances where young voters are concerned?
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said believes that with 3.5 million Umno members and “active ageing” a factor in the longevity of political lives, experience and the right candidate for the area count for a lot in determining who the electorate wants to represent them.
She believes that in smaller, newer parties, young political candidates are more visible. For Umno, it isn't necessarily an age-driven factor, but a personality-driven one that constituents feel confident voting for.
How then does Umno ensure that the image of the party is currently not just about saving the necks of Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi – that there is a lot more to Umno and the struggles of the party than just championing the fate of these two men?
Where does Azalina see the people’s acceptance of Umno in the coming general election if these personalities continue to be the “poster boys” for what is wrong with Umno?
Is Umno serious about change? And how will that change be manifested?
The Pengerang MP and Umno Supreme Council member addresses these questions and more. – The Vibes, October 2, 2022
Presented by PETRA News chief executive Datuk Zainul Arifin Mohamed Isa, executive director Datuk Ahirudin Attan (better known as Rocky Bru) and editor-in-chief Terence Fernandez
Produced by Shazmin Shamsuddin and sound engineered by Ethan Phoon
