Last man standing
While Exco member Mukhriz Mahathir's lead is dwindling, former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Khir Toyo has also gone ahead of Khairy in terms of nomination numbers.
Mukhriz has been banking on the influence of his father Tun Dr Mahathir and Khir Toyo on his supposedly grass root appeal.
Meanwhile, Khairy has had to go it alone based on his capabilities as his supposed 'advantage' due to his ties with outgoing President Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi is obliterated after Abdullah decided not to defend his presidency.
For four years Khairy deputized for outgoing Youth Chief Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein Onn.
He undertook it upon himself to mobilize, plan and execute the political machinery of the youth wing in elections whilst Hishamuddin looked from afar rarely getting his hands dirty in the rough and tumble of the numerous by elections and general election.
Khairy also took the pains of organizing and implementing the endless programmes for the benefit and to reach out to the many youths.
Khairy has also come under a lot of flak defending the special position of the Malays.
He vociferously defended the dignity of the Malays when questioned by groups with vested interest on the issues of New Economic Policy.
During the UMNO general assembly, Khairy moved the resolution to extend and prolong the New Economic Policy after it has expired.
He was on the receiving end of some fierce criticisms from chauvinistic groups such as Dong Jiao Zhong and extreme elements in political parties such as MCA, Gerakan and DAP on his principled stand.
He has had adequate training, experience and the know how to manage and elevate the status of UMNO Youth from its current slumber.
Khairy has taken the youth wing to another level with his call to reach out to the millions of youth who voted for the opposition in the March 8 general elections.
He understood and realized that UMNO was disconnected to these youth.
He was also a man enough to admit that UMNO had to reach out to these youth if UMNO was to survive the onslaught from the opposition and prolong its lifespan in the next general elections.
Almost 70% of youths departed from voting for Barisan Nasional in the March 8 general election.
One of the most important facts is that youths especially in the urban areas are becoming more egalitarian and is turned off by the racist and divisive tone eminating from UMNO and BN leaders.
Youths are less likely to distinguish and differentiate each other by the colour of their skin or creed.
They look to each other as their equal and are passionate about this fact.
Realizing that UMNO Youth needs to change its paradigm in order to remain relevant, Khairy coined the theme "Setiakawan" or "Camaraderie".
To Khairy, UMNO Youth has to forge an even closer relationship among its own members.
UMNO Youth also has to strengthen the partnership with their counterparts within the BN fold.
And most importantly, UMNO Youth has got to foster closer relationship with millions of youths who are not members of any parties.
This single most fact is the ultimate reason that will ensure UMNO Youth especially and UMNO generally to remain the foundation of BN and the government in years to come.
Khairy was bold enough to acknowledge this fact and he was visionary enough to chart the future for UMNO Youth.
He is most attuned to the youths in general and has had the courage to speak up for their benefit.
Having had the advantage of being a youth himself unlike the other two pretenders for the post, Khairy is well placed to be the voice of youth.
He understands that he is taking a huge gamble not busily talking up the Malays and firing on all cylinders criticizing the leadership on their failures to defend one race.
He is certainly the only candidate pushing for and pursuing the dreams of many Malaysians.
Khairy – the future UMNO Youth Chief – represents the voice of not just one race but for all Malaysians.
By Joey Kazz
KULITPISANG.COM
