KUALA LUMPUR: It is time for Umno to undergo meaningful changes and embrace new ways to remain relevant to the public, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The Umno vice-president said he agreed with the policy speech by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, which proposed that the party and Barisan Nasional must uphold unity internally.
"The president’s speech earlier has injected fresh hope into the party, with emphasis placed on unity not only within Umno, but also... that any Malay-based political parties wishing to work with Umno must be prepared to seek meaningful change within themselves," Johari said when met on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly here on Friday (Jan 16).
"This is especially important given that the country has been independent for 68 years and the expectations of the Malay community in particular have changed significantly.
"Over the course of nearly eight decades of (its existence), a major transformation (in Umno) is clearly necessary, and we must take into account the views of the younger generation.
"If we fail to do so, Umno will remain in its current state," he added.
Johari also hoped that delegates would discuss these matters rationally and offer constructive views following the president’s policy speech.
"This is so that Umno can open up to new ways of thinking," he said.
Johari said that Umno’s transformation could start with identifying and giving opportunities to new talent to move forward with the party.
"Today, almost all Malays have a very different way of thinking compared to the past.
"Therefore, if we want to present the best of the Malay community, we must be able to reflect and meet their expectations," he said, adding that the party must be sincere and genuine in reforming.
