KOTA BARU: Kelantan Umno must give opportunities and produce more young leaders to helm Barisan Nasional (BN) in the coming general election.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, however, said the young talents must work in tandem with experienced Umno veterans.
He said the younger generation should be guided and identified early on so that they become familiar with the party's goals and direction.
"Don't wait for a month before Parliament is dissolved before we try to look for young leaders (as election candidates)
"We have to give these young leaders time for the people to know them, for them to go to the ground and serve the people," he told reporters after officiating the 2024 Kelantan BN Convention here today.
Present were Kelantan Umno liaison chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub and Kota Baru Umno chief Tan Sri Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh.
Johari, who is also the Plantation and Commodities Minister, said if they are not shown to the people, then voters would not be able to know them and recognise their efforts when the general election comes about.
"I had previously stressed on how pre-independence, Umno leaders had fought to gain Merdeka, and when that was achieved, it selected leaders who had impressive backgrounds to govern the country.
"But now, we have lost power and been defeated in eight general elections in Kelantan. As such, we need to change and play a role together with the government to create leaders who can carry our aspirations in the future," he said.
On the upcoming Sungai Bakap by-election, Johari, who is BN treasurer-general, said BN will send its election machinery to assist in the polls.
"BN prioritises the country. Although we are not a majority coalition in the unity government, we will assist our partners in the by-election, We will not sabotage the effort," said the Titiwangsa member of parliament.
He said as a political party, Umno should not be an enemy to others.
"What is important for Umno and BN right now is to produce new and young leaders," he said.