Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir says Umno is in dire straits and he wants to be elected leader of the party’s youth wing in order to save and change Umno.

Mukhriz said this is a written statement after officially announced his intention to contest for the post in Alor Star, Kedah today.

“We have to make sacrifices again if we want to save Umno. I urge all quarters to support me to save and revive Umno. I am ready to take this responsibility and I am confident I’m not alone,” he declared.

mukhriz announce contest 060908Mukhriz argued that Umno problems had occured because the party had left its original struggle which focused on “religion, race and country”.

He added that the results of the 12th general election and the Permatang Pauh by-election had also proven that the public have lost confidence in Umno.

He said the present scenario surrounding Umno had left Barisan Nasional component parties questioning the party’s credibility and opened up opportunities for the opposition.

“I am aware that among us, there are those who are incapable and lethargic to bring changes. There are also those who believe that Umno would make changes by itself.

“If this is the belief and the attitude of Umno members, don’t be surprise if Umno’s life span expires,” he added.

Restoring public confidence

Mukhriz said that change is necessary to restore public confidence in Umno and party members must cleanse themselves of any bad influences and uphold public interest.

“We must also make sacrifices and reject all practices that are destructive,” he said.

khir toyo 181207Mukhriz is the second leader after former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo (left) to announce candidacy for the post.

Two other likely candidates are Pahang menteri besar Adnan Yaakob and present Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

Mukhriz, 44, is the youngest son of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Like his father, Mukhriz is a vocal critic of Prime Minister and Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"If I am given the mandate to lead Umno Youth, my goal would be to get the party back on track and push forward to regain the momentum which has been lost by the current leadership in the last five years," Mukhriz told AFP.

Mukhriz questioned the premier's track record after taking over from Mahathir in 2003, accusing him of not developing the country enough amid massive corruption, a poor economy and rising crime.

"Abdullah should not contest as president in the year-end polls," he added.

"Within three months it will be back to business as usual for Abdullah, but as the March elections have shown, business as usual is not good for our party," he said.

"We need change we can believe in and it has to be done."