KUALA LUMPUR: Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has challenged former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin to set up a new party to prove his ability as a so-called "magnet" in attracting youths.
Such a challenge comes after a statement by Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob following Khairy's dismissal and the suspension of former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan.
Ismail Sabri had said that such action was akin to ridding the party of "magnets" who attract and reel in support from youths for the party.
Puad, who is Johor state legislative assembly speaker, questioned Khairy's leadership qualities and abilities, especially when the former Rembau member of parliament lead the Umno Youth wing.
"Ismail Sabri said Khairy has a magnet, and it is Umno's loss in doing away with such a 'magnet' which can attract youths. Well, when Khairy was the Youth chief, were there many youths who he attracted to join the movement? Were they reeled in by Khairy's magnetism to support Umno?
"Perhaps there are youths who support Khairy, but they do not support Umno. It won't be wrong if Khairy were to set up a new party. Then we will be able to see if youths flock to join that party to support Khairy," said Puad in a Facebook posting.
He said if Khairy was not brave enough to set up a new party, he suggested for the former Health Minister to join either one of two Perikatan Nasional component parties.
"If Khairy lacks the bravery and courage like Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who went and set up his own political party, then Khairy can go join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia or Pas.
"Khairy can prove if his 'magnet' is okay. He should not merely be a passenger in the party," he said.
On Jan 28, the Umno supreme council sacked Khairy for violating the party's constitution for offences he committed during the General Election (GE15). The party had also suspended Shahril's party membership for six years.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/02/876929/if-kj-such-magnet-youths-set-new-party
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024