KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he was not worried that his position as Umno president could be threatened following the abolishment of the nomination quota system for the party elections.
The prime minister said the abolishment would instead serve as motivation for him to work harder and left it to the party members to decide on his fate.
"There were people who asked me, 'isn't Datuk worried that there is no protection; there is no longer a shield?' I told them that my shield is all the Umno members.
"If I am a party president who does good work, who can serve the party, take care of the people and be their champion, and develop the country, I leave it to the members to determine my fate," he said in his adjournment speech at the Umno general assembly, here, on Friday.
Najib said his views were shared by his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who did not wish to hide behind the quota system.
"I could have found an easy way out as previously under the party constitution, for the president post, the candidate would need nominations from at least 58 divisions. Think about this. It's not easy, as usually one may get or two nominations only.
"So, if I want to be party president, until when? President for life? But I would rather leave my fate to the Umno members to decide."
Najib said the quota abolishment should spur party leaders as all levels to work hard and with full commitment to restore Umno's might.
He refuted the accusation by some quarters that the Umno division leaders were "warlords" who were only interested in protecting their own interests and position.
"The fact is, their acceptance of the proposed party constitution amendments shows that they too want transformaton in the party so that Umno is more open and democratic. I thank them for this," he said.
Elaborating on the significance of the party constitution amendments, the prime minister said it was to ensure that Umno returned to its original struggle and remained an inclusive movement.
"This is our strength. Hence, membership applicants should not be hampered and we don't want to hear anymore stories on missing membership forms."
He cited the case of a highly qualified young officer in his office who was faced with a "missing form" problem each time be applied to be an Umno member.
"So, Umno lost him, but fortunately he still supports the party and he should be pursued to join the party.
"This is how we have lost some of those who should be with us in Umno."
Najib also stressed that the amendments also gave space and recognition to young people as they would in future take over the party reins and continue with its struggle.
This group, he said, had been distant from Umno as the party had failed to recognise their importance.
"We didn't take care of this generation and that is why they have stayed away from us. It's not they do not want to support Umno but we didn't give them the space and recognition."
Najib said the amendments also meant transformation in the attitudes and ways of the Umno members.
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