Khairy Doesn't Want To Make Hasty Decision

REMBAU, April 4 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth vice chief Khairy Jamaluddin is leaving it to the movement's grassroots to determine whether he should contest for the seat to be vacated by Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

"As the Umno Youth vice chief, I represent an institution and because of this, I cannot make any hasty decisions at my personal will.

"I have been taught by Datuk Seri Hishammuddin to safeguard the institution. Therefore, I have to get back to the institution, namely the grassroots, and get their views first," he said here Friday.

Speaking to reporters at his community service centre as the Rembau member of Parliament, Khairy said a personal will in the context of an institution was not important.

"What is important and we need to give priority to is our institution which we protect together. That is why I feel it is my responsibility as someone who represents the institution to listen to opinions and views of the grassroots before making any decision," he said.

Khairy said he respected Hishammuddin's decision not to defend the Umno Youth chief's post in party polls in December.

"Personally and on behalf of all Umno Youth members, I would like thank him because for 10 years, from the time Umno Youth was so problematic after the 1998 political crisis, he has successfully rebuilt our strength, and this is his achievement that will be crafted in our party history," he said.

He said Hishammuddin's decision could be a loss for Umno Youth because for 10 years, he had rehabilitated and strengthened the movement as an institution.

"As Datuk Seri Hishammuddin's strong supporter, I will support him to contest for any post he feels is suitable at the December party elections," he said.

When told that former Selangor menteri besar Selangor Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and Jerlun member of Parliament Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir had expressed interest to succeed Hishammuddin, Khairy also said he would respect anyone's decision to contest for the Umno Youth chief's post.

"What is important is democracy is respected and practised in our party because through a democratic process, we, God willing, will be able to produce the best leaders to lead Umno.

"I hope anyone who offers himself to contest for a post in the youth movement is able to unify and put party solidarity as the main agenda," he said.

When asked whether the December election could cause a split in the movement, he said: "I do not think so because Umno Youth members have matured."

"What is important today is we fight our real enemy, namely the opposition, and our focus should be on that effort.

"I hope the healthy and open Umno Youth election can strengthen Umno Youth in the context of the party," he said.

-- BERNAMA