KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territory Umno Youth have thrown their support behind Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, whom they believe is the right candidate to helm Umno and spearhead the revival of the party.
FT Umno chief Datuk Mohd Razlan Rafii said, this was the wish of the grassroots, who want to see change in the party’s leadership.
He said the Umno veteran, who was also former Finance Minister, can put up a strong challenge to the administration of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, thus helping set the party on its path towards regaining the administration of the country.
“For now, we see Tengku Razaleigh as an icon who we can support to head Umno.
“We ask that Tengku Razaleigh consider the decision to contest as a candidate for the party presidency.
“We are not rejecting Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as President. We thank him and anyone else who is elected this time has our fullest support.
“However, the grassroots is hoping for an individual who can embody Umno’s struggle and help it regain its glory,” he said when met at the Umno Youth exco meet and greet event 2018-2021 here.
Meanwhile, when asked on Barisan Nasional’s possible candidate for opposition leader in Parliament, Mohd Razlan said Rembau Member of Parliament Khairy Jamaluddin is the best candidate given his charisma and debating prowess.
“The opposition leader need not necessarily be someone in the highest level of the party and if it is Khairy, it would instill some fear (in the opponents).
“If partnered with Tengku Razaleigh, I think even Dr Mahathir would have to think twice as it would be an even match,” he said.