Voters will reject backward parties, says Azalina

 

Azalina Othman Said says any party that wishes to succeed in GE15, including PAS, must be ready to embrace the reform agenda.

PETALING JAYA: Umno Supreme Council member Azalina Othman Said has warned political parties that voters are likely to reject them if they are averse to reform and eschew what she calls “progressive values”.

The Pengerang MP told FMT she expected the next general election (GE15) to prove her right since those as young as 18 were expected to vote.

Asked to comment on Umno vice-president Khalid Nordin’s statement about Barisan Nasional (BN) returning to a more moderate approach now that PAS had aligned itself with Perikatan Nasional (PN), Azalina said there were fundamental differences between the one-time allies.

“PAS has a certain branding. There is a perception that when you speak about PAS and the flag that they carry, it is the flag of religion. That is the party constitution.

“But our party constitution is different. We might have the same race and religion as them, but we are different when we speak about the element of tolerance.”

She said parties could no longer play it safe and must embrace reforms now that 18-year-olds might be able to vote and people were exposed to a variety of perspectives through the internet.

“I believe that any party that is going to enter GE15, including PAS, must be ready for the reform agenda.”

She said the reforms included strengthening women’s rights, making changes to immigration and citizenship laws, preventing party hopping and embracing young candidates.

“All this is part of a reform agenda that anyone who is interested in offering themselves as the next government must carry.”

She said Umno was keenly aware of the changes and wanted to ensure its candidates too were on the same page, including being prepared to make bold changes.

“You can’t offer yourself up to run a country thinking you’re right all the time. So what my party is trying to say is: ‘We want to go into GE15 with a progressive party, with political parties that are willing to see change.’

“But if a party is still backward, whether it’s on race, religion or values, you can offer yourself, but the voters will not be interested in what you offer.” - FMT