THE Youth wing of Sabah Umno wants to shake its elitist image to win over the state’s young people.

It’s chief Abdul Aziz Julkarnain said steps were being taken to position the movement as being more down to earth. 

“We will be organising retreat programmes to restore the original Umno way and culture that stresses on moderation, teamwork and simplicity.

“We don’t want to be portrayed as elitist,  a luxury brand, or political aristocrats,” he said after chairing the wing’s first meeting for the 2018-2021 term.

Following the defeat of Sabah Umno in the 14th general election, only three of the 22 Umno Youth division leaders had retained ‎their posts.

They are Libaran chief Rizan Aziz, Ranau chief Faez Ainstein Nordin and‎ Silam chief Abd Halim Sidek Gulam Hassan. 

He said Youth wing was entirely focused on gaining the support of young people.

On whether the movement welcomed the party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s proposal to lower the minimum membership age from 18 to 16, Aziz said it would allow Malaysians to gain an early understanding of politics.

“This will allow the youth to be politically conversation and mature when they reach the voting age of 21,” he said. – August 2, 2018.