KUALA LUMPUR - Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has defended the party’s Youth wing for its outspoken approach, saying it must remain vocal, disruptive and unafraid to challenge policies that harm the people - even from within the government.
Responding to criticism that Umno Youth had been disrespectful following its recent call to cooperate with Pas and withdraw from the unity government, Mohamad said it was part of the wing’s core role.
“I know Dr Akmal and Umno Youth raised issues affecting the people. Some said the Youth wing was rude. I don’t agree,” he said in his speech at the launch of Youth, Women and Puteri annual general assemblies at KL World Trade Centre, here, tonight.
He said youth movements were meant to be loud, rebellious and to act as an early warning system.
“The task of Umno Youth is to be noisy and rebellious. Their job is to be the emergency bell,” he said, urging Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and his team to continue speaking up.
However, Mohamad stressed that Umno Youth must act as a “constructive opposition” from within the government.
“If there are government policies that harm the Malays or burden the people, UmnoYouth must be the first to rise and challenge them,” he said.
Mohamad also challenged Umno Youth to reclaim the “people’s hero” narrative from the opposition, which he said often relied on sentiment rather than substance.
“Prove Umno Youth is the most effective defender of the Malays, not those who only know how to play on sentiment,” he said.
Turning to Puteri Umno, Mohamad acknowledged the party’s struggles with young voters and digital engagement, citing the Sabah election as a lesson.
“Sabah taught us one thing, we lost on TikTok,” he said.
He urged Puteri Umno to function as the party’s digital front line and data intelligence unit, focusing on social media, campuses and youth-centric issues such as mental health and fair wages.
“Your battlefield is on phone screens,” he said, adding that the goal was to ensure first-time voters under Undi18 viewed Umno as a party that understood their concerns.
Mohamad’s remarks come amid pressure on Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal following his call for the party to revive cooperation between Umno and Pas which was raised during the recent special Umno Youth convention earlier this month.
His proposal also included Umno withdrawing from the current unity government, which drew pushback from party leadership.
Dr Akmal then hinted at stepping aside from his position. He is the elected Merlimau assemblyman and an exco in the Melaka state government.