'High time old and new Umno leaders stood united'

Political environment and technological changes pose a challenge to Umno in winning the hearts of the people and ensuring the party's longevity.

Umno's Veterans secretary Mustapha Yaakub said it was high time old and new leaders stood in unison to face the situation.

He said the collaboration would strengthen the party in accordance with its manifestation of upholding race, religion and country.

“These young leaders are skilled with the use of technology, so these skills can be shared with the older leaders. The use of mature technology is seen to be the catalyst of change in the political environment.

"Social media plays such an important role in disseminating information that it is often used as a medium for propaganda," he said in Kuala Lumpur.

According to Mustapha, all sorts of information were distributed on social media, often causing confusion, and the people were increasingly reliant on social media to get information that was not necessarily authentic.

"Social media is widely used, including during the campaigning period as a channel to get closer to the people. Therefore, leaders should be smart in using the platform so that the message conveyed is accepted by the people," he said.

He said Umno, which was now entering its 70th year, needed a strong line of leadership to ward off any accusation with the intent of discrediting the party.

He urged party members, especially leaders to fight without expecting reward if they wanted to see the party continue to flourish.

"It should be remembered, don't just fight to become the leader for hopes of running in the election and acquiring key positions or reaping rewards," he said.

Recalling his time in Umno during the 1970s after graduating from University of Malaya, Mustapha said he and his peers had fought sincerely for the party, expecting neither rank nor reward.

"It never crossed our minds to seek pleasure or projects. (Eradicating) poverty among the Malays was our main agenda, in addition to educational aspects," he said.

Mustapha, who was born four years after Umno was founded, held the positions of vice-chairman of the Seputeh Umno Youth division, Seputeh Umno information chief, Umno Youth international bureau secretary and Umno international bureau secretary.

In conjunction with Umno's 70th anniversary, Mustapha called on the Umno Youth and Puteri wings to continue the struggle of the 'older generation' by instilling a spirit of love for the party, while putting aside personal interests.

"Take care of, and protect the party that has served the people and the country. Never betray Umno.

"The Umno leadership should remember the party was formed for the struggle of the Malays, many of whom were from the rural areas. Hence, they should continue to support their wellbeing."

– Bernama