KUALA LUMPUR: Umno’s Youth wing must continue speaking for what is right and play the role of a “constructive opposition” from within the government, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Umno deputy president also brushed aside criticism that the youth wing, led by Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, was rude in his approach.
“I say no.
"Your role is to sound the alarms and press the emergency button. To Dr Akmal, continue making your voice heard.
“If there are any government policies that seem to pose losses for Malays or the rakyat, it is the Pemuda wing that will stand up for it,” he said when delivering his speech at the simultaneous opening of the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings on Wednesday (Jan 14) night.
Tok Mat then called upon Dr Muhamad Akmal to stand, while acknowledging his struggle.
This drew immense roars from the packed crowd at Dewan Merdeka in the World Trade Centre here, where the officiating ceremony was held.
The Umno deputy president also called for the Youth Wing to wrest the narrative of being the Rakyat’s heroes from the Opposition.
“Prove that Permuda is the one who works hardest for the Malays and not those who only excel at playing up sentiments,” Tok Mat said.
He further assured the wings that Umno will enter the 16th general election battleground only as Barisan Nasional.
“We will build up our own strengths and offer the rakyat one united and dominant team. We do not want to win based on people’s goodwill but because of the rakyat’s trust in Umno as the party that has been proven capable and experienced in managing our beloved country,” said Tok Mat.
