Umno: NEW PRESIDENT BUT OLD ORDER?

(Source: Malaysiakini)
At the time of this posting, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has been officially declared the new Umno president. The announcement was made by Umno permanent chairman Tan Sri Onn Ismail at PWTC Thursday. (Source: The Star Online)

(Source: Malaysiakini)
Outgoing Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today expressed sadness that certain quarters in the party believe that reverting to the old order is the panacea to revive the ailing institution.

MCPX

"Sadly there are still those who feel that we do not need to pursue reforms," he said in his opening speech at the 59th Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur.

"They believe that Umno will regain its glory if we revert to the old ways - the old order, by restricting freedom of our citizens and by silencing their criticisms," he added.

Abdullah's remarks come amidst growing concerns that his successor Najib Abdul Razak would emulate the leadership traits of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and come down hard on critics.

There is also widespread fear that the Internal Security Act (ISA) will be invoked to quash dissent.

Abdullah said these quarters are of the view that Umno can continue to be in power if they safeguard the interests of certain individuals and give in to the demands of certain groups.

"There are those among us who gain comfort from these thoughts and are still lulled into a false sense of security," he added.

According to Abdullah, the old path is the wrong path.