PUCHONG: Youth leaders must be prepared to accept criticism and refrain from taking easy shortcuts, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Umno president said that youth leaders must learn to accept other views, especially if their own opinions are strong.
"When criticism or differing views are directed at us, we must be willing to accept them.
"Why is it that when others criticise us, we accuse them of being undemocratic or refusing to accept reality, yet when we are criticised or when people disagree with us, we want to take a shortcut?
"We should not behave this way. This is a political struggle," the Deputy Prime Minister told reporters after attending an event here on Thursday (Jan 8).
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He was asked to comment on Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh's announcement that he might step aside from his position as Umno Youth chief.
Ahmad Zahid said that both he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had held the position in the past, and each had their own ideals while serving in the role.
"Disagreement should be expressed with explanation, not by dismissing others outright.
"I do not direct this at Akmal personally, but am speaking generally, to all youth leaders, regardless of party. They must possess idealism.
"I have stumbled before, I have run into mountains, slipped on banana peels, and fallen.
"Yet when we fall, it should not mean that we are unable to rise again or that we remain sprawled on the ground.
"Whatever happens, as long as we have not hit rock bottom, we must stand up again," he said.
Asked if he believed that Dr Akmal would vacate his post, Ahmad Zahid said he would not entertain such thoughts.
