Najib not a populist, but a statesman, Khairy says

UMNO AGM | To Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, party president Najib Abdul Razak is not a mere politician, but a "statesman."

In his winding-up speech at the Umno annual general assembly today, Khairy pointed out how the Najib administration not only looks at the present, but also the future.

This is unlike the opposition, which Khairy claims does not care about what happens to future generations.

"Their false hopes are like offering sweet things that will only lead to diabetes. 'Abolish debts, tolls and taxes, everything is free'.

"But sane people know that nothing is free in life. Our descendants will be the ones who have to pay for their diabetic promises," Khairy (photo) said.

Najib, he said, could have opted to take populist actions.

"Give everything today without thinking about what happens tomorrow. But that is not the president's choice."

He then cited a quote from American theologian and author James Freeman Clarke, who said that "a politician thinks of the next election while a statesman thinks of the next generation."

"Datuk Seri president, you are a statesman," said Khairy to applause from delegates present in the hall.

Khairy's declaration comes as Umno moves to delegitimise Mahathir's influence, portraying his struggle against the government as a personal and family agenda.- Mkini