Umno amendments to wipe out money politics

By Sharon Tan,The Edge

KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments to Umno’s constitution will wipe out money politics in the party, said Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“The amendments could abolish money politics because the numbers that can vote will be too huge to be influenced by anyone. Even if there is an attempt to do so, it would be easily detected,” said the prime minister, adding that the huge numbers would make detection easy.

This was what he told the Umno delegates yesterday at a presidential briefing for the Umno delegates attending the party’s general assembly, in which he explained the philosophy behind the amendments.

Speaking to reporters later, Najib said through the amendments, the party could control the actions of the members.

According to him, the amendments would also be inclusive and emphasise the role of women and the youth.

“We make it easier for people to join Umno and participate in the decision-making process,” said Najib.

Asked if the amendments would lead to frequent changes in leadership, he said that would depend on the members.

“If the leadership is good and effective and is acceptable to the people, then the position surely can be defended. But we must realise that our accountability as a leader is more now with the amendments. If we don’t show good performance, then we open ourselves to be challenged,” said Najib.

It has been speculated that the amendments could include enlarging the number of delegates and those eligible to vote in the leadership selection process. Currently, only about 2,500 central delegates get to determine the party leadership.

The amendments may also abolish the quota system whereby potential candidates for top party posts must attain a certain number of nominations from the divisions before they are eligible to contest.

On whether he would be able to overcome the resistance from those who wanted to keep the old system, Najib said the delegates seemed to accept the explanation well.

Najib also touched on the current political landscape and the challenges faced by Umno.

“What is important is that Umno must be willing to change for the better whether it is in terms of unity, culture, attitude, thinking and actions,” he said, adding that the unity and cooperation could bring big successes such as in the Bagan Pinang by-election.

He said the work done in Bagan Pinang should be a example or an awakening for the members. He also urged them to work hard in implementing various programmes.

His other key messages include the party’s awareness of its critical stage after the general action last year. “But we have shown that if we are united and plan well, coupled with earnestness, Umno is still a brand that is accepted by the people as proven in the big win in Bagan Pinang.”