Transformation of Umno and Malaysia still on track, Najib insists

Najib gestures to the media during a press conference in Putrajaya, today. He expressed confidence that the newly-elected Umno leaders can work as a team to transform Umno and Malaysia. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Nazir Sufari, October 20, 2013.Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak today insisted that the party's transformation was on track although the same leaders retained the party's top five positions after yesterday’s polls.

"It is not a necessity for the present batch of Umno leaders to be replaced in order to transform the party. The current Umno team has the calibre and talent to bring about transformation," he said.

Najib acknowledged that the party's leadership, including newly elected vice-presidents Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, have a lot to live up to.

"We carry the hopes and expectations of the party members who cast their votes for us. We have a national and party agenda which we are expected to deliver upon," he said.

Najib was confident that the leaders who had won would be able to work as a team to transform Umno and Malaysia.

He said at a press conference at the IOI Golf Resort in Putrajaya that the election had been conducted smoothly.

"Now that we have settled the issue of party elections, it is time to continue with transforming the party and the country. There is a lot of work to be done," the Prime Minister said.

He rubbished rumours that the 150,000 Umno members nationwide had been instructed to maintain the status quo of the party's leadership, saying,  "It is a quite impossible feat even for me to influence the 150,000 members nationwide and get them to vote for what I want instead of letting them choose on their own.”

On the tussle between Hishammuddin and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Najib said the fierce fight was expected.

"These are two popular individuals and politicians, obviously the support garnered by both men was nothing less than expected.

"In any election, there will never be a result which will satisfy all parties. There will always be winners and losers in any election."

However, he praised Umno members for their maturity in making their choices. He also cautioned those who had won not to be arrogant or complacent.

Najib said he would be discussing the issue of making special appointments to the Umno supreme council with party deputy president and Deputy Premier Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"It is within my discretion as party president to make special appointments and there are a few talented professionals whom I will be evaluating," he said, declining to elaborate.