THE scandals surrounding former prime minister Najib Razak are not the only factors that make it difficult for Umno to present itself as a party committed to reform.

Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Tengku Hamzah said the problem that had pervaded down the line was that members were afraid to challenge leaders.

“Anybody who assumed power in Umno since 25 years ago, they became untouchable and people dare not say anything about them,” he said in an interview with BFM radio station today.

Tengku Razaleigh who is also known as Ku Li said Umno has changed since the days Tunku Abdul Rahman, Hussein Onn and Abdul Razak Hussein helmed power, as everyone was free to debate at the general assembly of the party.

He admitted that there has been a “culture of silence” since two decades ago where members were not free to speak their minds.

“Even your speeches that you’re going to deliver during the general debate form the floor are vetted so you can only say certain things.

“Only the privileged few were selected to take part for the debate,” he said. 

Tengku Razaleigh said a lot of party issues could have been brought up if they did away with the culture of silence.

He also said since 25 years ago, members only dared to whisper to one another about any flaws instead of voicing it out.

“About policies, about the way the administration is going, about behaviour of our leaders, about all the abuses committed by our leaders. 

“Those days, everybody talked freely about this and nobody took offence. But not since 25 years ago, not many people dared to say anything,” he said when asked about the things that needed to be said but was not. 

Tengku Razaleigh is standing for election to be party president, along with acting Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin on June 30. – June 26, 2018.