Zahid’s push for young candidates won’t sideline veterans, says source

 

Wins by Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani (Nenggiri) and Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah (Mahkota) show the effectiveness of fielding young candidates with strong grassroots support, says BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

PETALING JAYA: 

Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s plan to field more young candidates in the next general election (GE16) will not be at the expense of more experienced Umno leaders, says a senior party member.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the Umno Supreme Council member said the party is aiming for a balanced approach.

“The party will retain key, high-performing senior leaders to provide balance,” the source told FMT.

The leader said Zahid and Umno are serious about rejuvenating their candidate pool, but it will not come at the expense of proven veterans.

“Ministers, chief ministers, deputy ministers, exco members, and influential, hardworking representatives from Umno can be retained.

“But if better candidates emerge, those underperforming should step aside,” the source added.

The leader also dismissed claims that Zahid is seeking to extend his political career, saying that the idea was to prepare future leaders and ensure an orderly transition of power.

“It’s about setting the stage for future poster boys and potential leaders, not about extending anyone’s term,” he said.

The source also said senior leaders like Zahid, Mohamad Hasan, Khaled Nordin and Azalina Othman Said should stay on, while dynamic younger figures like Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh should be given prominent roles.

“Times have changed, and earning the people’s confidence is no longer easy.

“Senior leaders must be ready for a soft landing while ensuring that young candidates are rigorously vetted for commitment and moral integrity.”

At the Perak BN convention last month, Zahid said it was essential that BN field young candidates with strong grassroots support, citing the success of the strategy at recent by-elections in Nenggiri and Mahkota, which saw Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani and Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah emerge victorious.

However, the deputy prime minister said the suitability of candidates is not solely premised on their youth but also based on strong grassroots exposure.

Another Umno leader, however, said the push for younger candidates is bound to meet with resistance within the party.

“It will upset some senior leaders. For instance, during a previous election an Umno division leader didn’t campaign for a BN candidate because the party chose someone junior.

“But if Umno and BN don’t change, nobody will vote for us,” the source said. - FMT