The Rembau member of parliament who has offered to contest the movement's top post, said he had proof that in some places, party members were told not to attend the functions where he was also present.
"They are trying to prevent members from getting to know their leader better. To me, all party members have the right to know their leaders. So, there should be no hindrance for members to meet me," he said after the breaking of fast and handing over of contributions from tithe collection to orphans and senior citizens at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ketereh, here today.
He was commenting on the call by Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who has also offered himself for the Umno Youth top post, for actions to prevent members from meeting their leaders or candidates in the party elections, to stop immediately as it was against the party's democratic practice.
Besides Mukhriz and Khairy, the others who have offered themselves for the post are Perlis Umno liaison deputy chairman Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, party Supreme Council member and former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, and Energy, Water and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor.
Khairy said such obstacles were unnecessary as what was more important was the party as an entity and not the individuals contesting. "The individuals may change but Umno Youth remains," he added.
On that note, he reminded all party members to choose a leader who could lead Umno Youth to be an inspiration to young people and hence strengthen Umno Youth in the hearts and minds of the people.
- Bernama
