Umno assembly: Youth’ pressure tactics are routine, decisions still with Supreme Council - Rauf

KUALA LUMPUR - "It's a trend for Umno Youth to act as a 'pressure group' at every Umno General Assembly," says Melaka Umno chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rauf Yusoh.

He said that each year, the youth wing stepped into this familiar role, challenged the status quo and advocated for their concerns.

This came after Umno youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said that the party might contest on its own in the upcoming 16th General Election (GE16), depending on the circumstances at that time.

Dr Akmal had said that any decision would be influenced by the needs of the people and the sentiments of the party’s grassroots members.

However, while the youth's voices are loud and clear, Rauf said the final decisions rest not with them but with the Umno Supreme Council.

"The Umno General Assembly is an open platform where the youth can express themselves freely.

“It's a 'trend' for them to act as a pressure group, voicing their opinions on various matters.

"But at the end of the day, the decisions are made by the Umno Council Meeting, which evaluates the party's strength and makes strategic decisions in the best interest of Umno," Rauf said.

He said this in a press conference held at the World Trade Centre (WTC), here, in conjunction of Umno General Assembly 2024.

He acknowledged the youth's enthusiasm but pointed out that their role was more about sparking discussions than influencing final decisions.

"The youth can speak about anything—there's no issue with that. It's part of their movement's trend to push for change and express their perspectives," he said.

However, he also questioned the impact of these outspoken efforts.

"Why do you want to speak about everything? The party's decision is not coming from the youth," he said.