The experience was part of government efforts to expose young leaders to the world and prepare them for future responsibilities.
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must pave the way for a younger generation of leaders to take over if it hopes to stay relevant and continue championing the interests of Malays and the nation, said Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
He said it is time for the party to recognise the growing need for youthful leadership with new ideas and renewed energy instead of allowing those in their sixties and seventies to continue dominating the political scene.
“There seems to be no room for young leaders to rise. That’s the real problem,” he told theSun.
Tengku Razaleigh recalled how, during his early days in politics, Malaysia’s founding leaders such as Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman gave opportunities to young leaders to prove their worth.
“They knew that among the younger generation, there were those with strong and sometimes more radical ideas, people who could outshine the older generation. But they didn’t sideline us. Instead, they threw us into the tiger’s den and left us to survive on our own.”
The veteran statesman, who joined politics in the 1960s, said he was sent to China during his early career to study the country’s development approach.
He said the experience was part of government efforts to expose young leaders to the world and prepare them for future responsibilities.
“Many of my peers were from the same batch. We were given opportunities and had to prove our capabilities and competence. No cheating, no shortcuts. We had to do real work.”
Tengku Razaleigh reminded Umno members that the party’s strength has always come from its well-established grassroots network and deep connection with the Malay community.
“I still believe that the key role lies with Umno because it already has an established organisation. Wherever you go you’ll find its presence in government offices and in the community. Right now, they can’t speak up because Umno is not in power. But when Umno is in power, everyone wants to be part of it.”
He said the party could not afford to rest on its past glory or rely solely on senior figures to sustain its influence.
“Young people must take over. The youth must be empowered to lead at every level, even the women’s wings.
“We won’t live forever. Few are lucky enough to reach 100 years old.” – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee
