Cap Umno Youth chief age at 40, says Pulai MP

Khairy Jamaluddin, 38, is the current Umno Youth chief. A party member has suggested 40 as the age limit for the Umno Youth chief to attract new blood. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, August 17, 2014.

The age limit for the Umno Youth chief should be set at 40, says Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, to ensure a flow of younger generation of leaders for the party.

The Umno Pulai division chief said for the sake of survival, the party needed an injection of younger blood to give it a fresher outlook and image.

"Umno Youth needs an injection of new blood to give it fresh impetus and attract the younger generation to join the party," Nur Jazlan said.

"In order to achieve this, Youth leaders need to be chosen from the younger generation and not party veterans."

The call came after Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin's suggested that 30% of the party’s candidates for the next general election (GE) be aged below 40.

Khairy reportedly said that the proposal, if implemented, would provide opportunity for young party members from various fields, including the professionals, to become the second-tier leaders.

Nur Jazlan also questioned why the Youth chief was not subject to the age limit, whereas ordinary Youth members had to resign at 40.

He said age remained a major factor, especially in the last general election when 20% of Pakatan Rakyat candidates were 40 and below.

"In Barisan Nasional's case, only 4% of the candidates fielded were aged 40 and below," he said.

"The younger generation of Malays appear to favour the opposition more as they feel there are more chances and opportunities offered.

"Umno's transformation needs to start with the Youth wing and the setting of an age limit will attract more youngsters to join the party.

"At the same time, it will create a healthy competition for those aspiring to lead the party," Nur Jazlan said.

At present, Nur Jazlan said, senior Umno leaders constantly vied for positions, causing new faces to lose because of a lack of recognition.

Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had said the party needed “wow” factors to attract Malay support back to the party.

The deputy prime minister said Pakatan Rakyat parties, DAP and PKR, had paved the way with their fielding of young candidates in elections.

- TMI