It is good to see that some Puteri Umno members have decided to revitalise the movement by democratically challenging Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's appointee, Azalina Othman.

Modernity means positions in public offices are either based on recognised knowledge, technical competence or meritocracy, or genuine popularity ascertained by free and fair elections.

Appointing successors in utter disregard to the principles of meritocracy or democracy is feudalistic, backward and despotic. Only mediocre and incompetent cronies who are neither meritocractic or democratically popular accept appointment as successors to strong leaders.

So, whoever wins the democratic elections in Puteri Umno, they will certainly be more legitimate and honourable than Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was not democratically elected as deputy Umno leader.

If young persons can accept democracy, why can't older persons? What makes older persons so afraid of being put to democratic tests of popularity?

Lack of knowledge? Inferiority complexes? Vested Interests? Feudal cultural traits? Despotic genes? Kiasu ?