PUCHONG: Youth leaders of political parties must be prepared to accept criticism and refrain from taking “shortcuts” or inappropriate actions, simply because of differences of opinion on certain issues, says Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said youth leaders must learn to accept other views aside from their own.
“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 of refusing to accept reality?
“Yet when we are criticised or when people disagree with us, we want to take a short cut because of differences in opinions.
“We should not behave this way. This is a political struggle. We must accept that, in politics, not everyone will agree with us.
“When there is disagreement, it should be addressed through explanation and dialogue, not through other actions,” he told reporters after attending an event here yesterday.
He was asked to comment on Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh who said that he might quit his position.
Ahmad Zahid said that he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously held the same position as Akmal in the past and each had their own ideals while serving in the role.
“Disagreements should be expressed with explanation, not by dismissing others outright.
“I am not directing this at Akmal personally, but I am speaking in general to all youth leaders, regardless of party, that idealism should continue to be pursued, and there are proper ways to reconcile differences and address various issues,” he said.
“I myself have stumbled before, I have run into ‘mountains’, slipped and fallen.
“Yet when we fall, it should never mean that we are unable to rise again.
“Whatever happens, we must be able to stand up.” .
When asked whether Umno was open to accepting Akmal’s resignation, Ahmad Zahid said that the matter had never crossed his mind.
On Wednesday, Akmal dropped a cryptic social media post, alluding about stepping down from his post.
In the Facebook post, he said that he had done his best to voice the concerns of the grassroots.
“Thank you for all your voices that care deeply about this struggle. I believe that if our intentions are sincere for the sake of religion, race and the nation; God willing, the time will come.”
Umno Youth held a one-day special convention last Saturday to discuss the party’s direction within the unity government.
This had come about amid unhappiness over statements made by some DAP leaders.
