THE exodus of top leaders from Sabah Umno may have dealt a huge blow to the party, but it is not all doom and gloom.

The chapter’s Youth chief, Abdul Aziz Julkarnain, said the defections paved the way for the rejuvenation of Sabah Umno as now, new faces can rise through the ranks, bringing forth a fresh fighting spirit.

“It is a cleansing process. The youngsters feel that it is time to fill the gaps left by those who quit.

“No more warlords. No more baggage from senior leaders. We are free to shape the party,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

On December 12, nine assemblymen, five MPs, two senators and 21 division heads left Sabah Umno, citing loss of confidence in the party’s top leadership.

The group was led by former state Umno liaison chief Hajiji Mohd Noor, who said 50% of the chapter’s 500,000 members, too, have quit.

Hajiji has been replaced by party veteran and Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar Radin.

Sabah Umno now has just two elected representatives: Bung Moktar and Sg Sibuga assemblyman Musa Aman, who is former Sabah Umno liaison chief.

Bung Moktar has seen his rating skyrocket since his appointment.

“He is doing fine. He is a true fighter compared to those who wavered when tested with defeat (in the 14th general election),” said Aziz.

He added that leaders should learn to embrace defeat to enable them to grow.

“By running away… I feel that they are merely multiplying their defeats in life.”

He rubbished claims that Sabah Umno is on the verge of collapse following the defections.

Most divisions have replaced the leaders who quit, he said.

“Umno is a well-structured organisation. It will not collapse. The ones who now take charge are new faces, vibrant and young.”

Aziz also dismissed talk that the party’s Youth, Puteri and Wanita wings have been “damaged” following the exodus.

“Nothing has changed. It is the same. Some divisional leaders have left, but many are still with the party.”

He said the defectors left of their own free will and did not persuade others to join them.

“They even cried when announcing their resignation from Umno.

“I’m sure the reasons (for quitting) are known only to them. It is just them who left.”

Asked whether any of the defectors have expressed an interest in re-joining the Barisan Nasional lynchpin, he said: “Re-joining Umno will not change a thing. It will not make Umno part of the government but will only rock the boat that has just begun to sail smoothly again.”

He added that the party’s new leaders are focused on winning GE15. – January 3, 2019.