(Najib pic courtesy of theSun) THE most solid expression of reform within Umno at the party’s recently concluded five-day general assembly was in new president Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s closing address. Whether change will come in the quantity or quality that Malaysians expect is unclear — but some change seems forthcoming. “Our next general assembly […]
Khairy Jamaluddin
Cabinet post is PM’s prerogative, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 March 2009: Umno Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin said the right to appoint members of the government administration, particularly members of the cabinet, lies entirely with the Prime Minister. He said it was not for anyone to demand, ask or show interest to seek for such positions. He said this to reporters yesterday […]
Khairy’s victory due to hard work, says Abdullah
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 March 2009: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he is happy with Khairy Jamaluddin’s election as the new Umno Youth chief, saying the Rembau member of Parliament had worked hard for the victory. “He (Khairy) worked very hard, he really worked very hard, that is the truth, I know … because when […]
Mob protests Khairy’s win
IT was a significant victory for 33-year-old Khairy Jamaluddin on the night of 25 March 2009 when he won the Umno Youth race to become its new chief. Significant because Khairy beat favourite Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir by 72 votes and former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo by 50 votes. This was […]
Hishammuddin assumes role of Umno Youth adviser
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 March 2009: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said he would assume the role of the Umno Youth adviser in the three by-elections on 7 April. The former Umno Youth chief said the role was important as he was worried that stiff rivalry between the arch-rivals in the Youth chief post election […]
Umno’s insincerity
Corrected on 27 March 2009 at 3.20pm HOW will we know if Umno is really going to keep its promise to reform? Quite simply, really. Similar to how we would measure a friend or partner’s sincerity, all it requires for us to make an educated guess about Umno’s reforms is to watch what the party […]
Accusations “all part of politics”, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR, 26 March 2009: New Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin dismissed accusations that money politics were involved in his campaign as “all part of politics”. “Until there’s anything to substantiate [the accusations], I can only assume that this was a manifestation of frustration and disappointment,” said Khairy, who defeated Datuk Seri Mohd Khir Toyo […]
Defeat does not mean battle is over: Mukhriz
KUALA LUMPUR, 26 March 2009: Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir who lost in the contest for the Umno Youth chief post, said today the defeat does not mean the battle is over. His supporters are disappointed but Mukhriz said there was no stopping his struggle to institute changes in the party. “I will continue to contribute although […]
Khairy’s win protested, Shahrizat creates upset
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 March 2009: Umno Youth is poised to enter a period of controversy with Khairy Jamaluddin’s win as the movement’s chief tonight. The Rembau Member of Parliament (MP) and son-in-law of outgoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi polled 304 votes. He beat his rivals former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr […]
Mukhriz accepts Umno Youth decision
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 March 2009: Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who lost in the election for the Umno Youth head post today, said he accepted the defeat with an open heart. “In any contest there will certainly be a loser, and when the fight is three-cornered, two will certainly lose. “Today, I was one of the losers. […]
