Barisan Nasional’s Plan to Field Younger Candidates: A Balanced Approach
PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s plan to field more young candidates in the next general election (GE16) will not be at the expense of more experienced Umno leaders, says a senior party member.
A Balanced Approach
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the Umno Supreme Council member said the party is aiming for a balanced approach. "The party will retain key, high-performing senior leaders to provide balance," the source told FMT.
Retaining Proven Leaders
The leader said Zahid and Umno are serious about rejuvenating their candidate pool, but it will not come at the expense of proven veterans. "Ministers, chief ministers, deputy ministers, exco members, and influential, hardworking representatives from Umno can be retained. But if better candidates emerge, those underperforming should step aside," the source added.
Preparing for the Future
The leader also dismissed claims that Zahid is seeking to extend his political career, saying that the idea was to prepare future leaders and ensure an orderly transition of power. "It’s about setting the stage for future poster boys and potential leaders, not about extending anyone’s term," he said.
Senior Leaders to Stay On
The source also said senior leaders like Zahid, Mohamad Hasan, Khaled Nordin and Azalina Othman Said should stay on, while dynamic younger figures like Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh should be given prominent roles. "Times have changed, and earning the people’s confidence is no longer easy. Senior leaders must be ready for a soft landing while ensuring that young candidates are rigorously vetted for commitment and moral integrity," the source said.
Success of Young Candidates
At the Perak BN convention last month, Zahid said it was essential that BN field young candidates with strong grassroots support, citing the success of the strategy at recent by-elections in Nenggiri and Mahkota, which saw Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani and Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah emerge victorious. However, the deputy prime minister said the suitability of candidates is not solely premised on their youth but also based on strong grassroots exposure.
Resistance from Senior Leaders
Another Umno leader, however, said the push for younger candidates is bound to meet with resistance within the party. "It will upset some senior leaders. For instance, during a previous election an Umno division leader didn’t campaign for a BN candidate because the party chose someone junior. But if Umno and BN don’t change, nobody will vote for us," the source said.
Conclusion
Barisan Nasional’s plan to field young candidates with strong grassroots support is a key strategy to revitalize the party’s leadership and appeal to a younger generation of voters. While some senior leaders may resist this change, the party’s aim is to strike a balance between experience and youth, ensuring a smooth transition of power and a bright future for the coalition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the push for younger candidates come at the expense of more experienced Umno leaders?
A: No, it will not. The party will retain key, high-performing senior leaders to provide balance.
Q: Is Ahmad Zahid seeking to extend his political career?
A: No, the idea is to prepare future leaders and ensure an orderly transition of power.
Q: What is the key to selecting young candidates?
A: Strong grassroots exposure and rigorous vetting for commitment and moral integrity.