UMNO EGM - Why Not?

The call made by President UMNO to stop organizing EGM is seen as something very unhealthy. The President is vary uncomfortable with this development after three branches in the sates of Kelantan, Johor and Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur organized the EGM and called for the change of party leadership. More branches are expected to call for EGM, and if this trend is not arrested, will cause a lot of uneasiness among the party leaders.

The problem and issues that embroiled among the grassroots members of the party is like a volcano which is due to erupt. It cannot be controlled and will erupt anyway. If we try to control the eruption, the outcome will be wild. It is better to let it erupt freely and allow the larva from the eruption flows down and when the strength dies off it will settle down. The final result will be a new generation of activity which is healthier. The entire negative element will die off.

What is there to fear? The truth must be allowed to prevail. The days where issues can be manipulated are over. Information, either true of half-true spread very fast. Thanks to modern form of information technology, where information flows is hard to control. There must be good reasons for UMNO members through its division overzealously calling for EGM. There must be real and serious issues that they felt must be discussed and corrected. Calling for EGM is a serious matter. It is not an ordinary meeting. The grassroots members and its leaders must believe that the issues that they wanted to highlight are serious and real or else their reputation and standing will bring them down. If the party leaders feel that they are doing the right things and well supported by the majority, then there is no fear of the EGM. Since the party constitution allows the divisions to organize the EGM, then by all means let it go. The more the leaders call to prevent the divisions from organizing the EGM the more unhealthy development will arise.

What certain is that all members loved the party and there is little doubt that they want the party weakened. In the long term and surrounded by hostile political forces at work, they want the party to remain strong to face the challenges. UMNO needs a strong, courage, an imaginative and visionary leader to lead the party in this politically hostile environment. Unfortunately time is not on their side for them to exert their strength. They must utilize to the maximum the little precious time left till the end of the year, when the members at large will determine their position. As it is, the people at large and the Malays in particular has not felt and seen any impact on the new measures adopted by the government. Too much talk, publicity and gimmick with little movement on the ground, will not bring change in the minds of the people at large.