Umno rebel group targets youth to explain Dr Mahathir’s declaration

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's teaming up with the opposition for the Citizen's Declaration may have left a sour taste for some Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters, but Umno rebel group Coalition of Branch Chiefs Malaysia (GKCM) is hoping the message will strike a different chord with the youth. GKCM spokesman Kamarul Azman Habibir Rahman said the unusual pact between Dr Mahathir and leaders from the opposition and civil society groups has sparked a new political development that was different from the race-based ideology of the past. He said it also signalled that Malaysians could unite under a common purpose to save the nation. He said the youth today were not interested in politics as they were fed up with the situation in the country. "We will spread the message of the mission to our youths through discussions, forums and various programmes," Kamarul told The Malaysian Insider. "They know Umno is controlled by certain groups. They view it as a party with power passed down from father to son, based on lineage similar to a monarchy. "That is how we have leaders today. When Tun Abdul Razak was considered a great leader, we felt his son would surely be one too but it has not been the case," he said referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. He said Umno today sidelined bright and intelligent youths and groomed those not deserving to be leaders. "It is a sin to be smart in Umno, when one is not smart, they will be accepted," he said. Kamarul, also Umno Teluk Kemang division chief, said a youth forum would also be held to open the eyes of those Umno leaders who are fast asleep. "We want these youths to be able to voice their views and opinions on Umno," said Kamarul, a teacher with 32 years' experience. After quitting Umno on February 29, Dr Mahathir led the move to oust Najib with the likes of DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, and former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik. The declaration was also supported by Dr. Mahathir's son and former Kedah mentri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was suspended last month from his Umno deputy president post. This has been seen as not going down well with some Umno members, who felt it will be hard to convince them to put aside historical enmity towards opposition parties, especially DAP, and support the initiative. Others among 58 individuals who signed the declaration include former Bersih co-chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and activist Hishammuddin Rais. – March 7, 2016.]]>