He may be facing the two rising sons of Umno politics, but Dr Mohd Khir Toyo sees himself edging them and becoming party youth chief in the coming party polls. The former menteri besar of Selangor holds no fear for the PM's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's son Mukhriz.
When asked about the contest in December, Khir in his usual composed manner said that both Mukhriz and Khairy had every right to compete but he was confident of being the right person for the job.
"It's a free for all situation. But I have the experience, I am a party supreme council member and was a youth leader in Selangor," said Khir.
"The party needs a new but experienced leader that can inject new idealism in the party and I believe I can do that," he added.
The feedback Khir has received from Umno grassroots has been encouraging, as he has been actively meeting with branch youth leaders in his nationwide campaign.
Khairy who is the present deputy youth chief and Rembau MP has not declared his candidacy, but looking at his activity lately in the party, Khir is sure he is competing.
"I know he is going to contest for the post judging by the way he is moving on the ground," said the Selangor state opposition leader.
It is uncertain whether Khairy is withholding his announcement because of the current political climate in the country, however he is a firm favourite considering the incumbent Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein is likely to seek higher office.
Jerlun MP Mukhriz and youth exco- who has asked the prime minister repeatedly to step down - has already expressed his intention to contest.
Umno needs new leadership
Khir also spoke on the transition of power plan proposed by party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, saying the handover to his deputy Najib Abdul Razak should be done even quicker.
Abdullah, after enduring endless assaults from within the party as well as the opposition since the general election, announced on July 10 that he will step down as prime minister and party president in mid 2010.
Khir, also the Sungai Panjang assemblyperson, is an ardent critic of Abdullah and blames him for the electoral losses.
"The only way the party can be rejuvenated is by the change of leadership so that the new blood can inject the much needed idealism that is apparently lacking in the current party leadership," said Khir.
news n photo courtesy of Malaysiakini
1 comment:
is khir right when he says he fears not khairy nor mukhriz. well, he is 100% right everyone is entitled to vote or be vote.
he fears them not mainly because we have nashit's name AGAIN from his mouth about the transition of power to be done faster and earlier!! i really ENVY nashit being so 'popular' not only with the oppositions, murder case, sodomy case but from within barbaric nationalists even!! he is really the 'real star' of Malaysia!!
khir is RUDE!! unlike muyhiddin who bows down not to go for a better post, muyhiddin is actually RESPECTING bodowi and loves UMNO!! as for khir, he gives no respect to bodowi who has inter-link with khairy nor mukhriz who is the son of modern malaysia!! that goes for nashit too because he comment no words to advice anyone not to use his name to push bodowi to retirement earlier than expected.
as for me, whether at end of this year, i wonder will UMNO still EXISTS or not !! so it is better to hold the UMNO election NOW when still can !!
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