PETALING JAYA: Ilham Centre, an independent research firm, has disassociated itself from the findings presented by one of its researchers during last Saturday’s special Umno Youth convention.
The firm said the presentation delivered by Mujibu Muis reflected his own personal views and does not represent Ilham Centre’s official findings, institutional position, or data-based analysis.
“All information, interpretations and conclusions presented during the session are entirely the responsibility of the presenter and should not be construed as an official report, study or statement by Ilham Centre,” it said in a statement yesterday.
During the one-day special convention by Umno Youth which was held to discuss the party’s direction within the unity government, Mujibu had presented a survey involving 1,800 Umno respondents and found that 62% of them cannot accept the working relationship between Umno and DAP in the government.
Ilham Centre, in its statement, said: “Any reference to Ilham Centre’s official findings is only valid when issued through the institution’s official communication channels, including reports, media statements or presentations formally mandated by Ilham Centre’s management.”
However, it stressed that it respects freedom of expression and the diversity of academic and analytical perspectives expressed by panellists on any platform of scholarly discourse.
Umno MP Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad of Simpang Renggam said in terms of objectives and intention, it was good that Umno Youth had invited Mujibu to present his views but these must be based on facts.
“However, if the reference itself is not credible and does not have proper authorisation, then the Youth wing must have the courage to state this clearly, especially if there are other sources apart from that.
“For example, if Ilham Centre has not verified or endorsed any views associated with, attributed to the researcher, Umno Youth must come forward to explain to the public,” he said.
Padang Rengas Umno division chief Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said while the findings were not endorsed by Ilham Centre, Umno should be open to opinions.
“Let’s take it this way. If there is feedback, we will take it positively, work harder, make sure our supporters and voters understand why we work with DAP,” he said.
He also pointed out that Perak Umno had recently rejected a motion brought by its Youth wing to withdraw the party’s support from the government.
Umno Youth secretary-general Mohd Hafiz Ariffin said that they had invited Mujibu in his personal capacity.
“I would like to state that we did not invite Ilham Centre but Mujibu as a researcher and a lecturer.
“He also mentioned that his views do not represent any institution but is based on his own research,” he said.
Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had earlier questioned Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s claim on the survey that was based on 1,800 people after he called for the party to leave the unity government and work with PAS.
“I don’t know if he surveyed MPs, regular members, assemblymen or Barisan MPs.”
She said Umno is an experienced party and has dealt with many challenges since its formation.
In his speech at the special convention on Saturday, Dr Akmal said Umno should withdraw from the unity government and become part of the opposition.
He urged the party to form a united front with PAS based on a commitment to uphold and protect religion and the Malays, noting that both are the country’s two largest Malay-based parties.
