UMNO LEADERS TO ATTEND “BOOT CAMP” ?

Umno Leaders To Attend Training, Motivation Programme

SHAH ALAM, July 19 (Bernama) -- Umno leaders at all levels are to attend a training and motivation programme in stages beginning next month to help strengthen the leadership and enable the party to continue championing the plight of the Malays and Malaysians, Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said the programme, which would inject a new spirit into the participants, would be held first for members of the party's supreme council at the Umno Empowerment Training Institute (ILMU) in Janda Baik, Pahang.

The programme, which had been agreed to by the party's management committee and the supreme council, would be held subsequently throughout the country for Umno divisional and branch leaders, said Muhyiddin, who is the deputy prime minister.

"The programme will involve all levels of leaders because they are the prime movers who will guide party members in the branches, and we want to project a new image," he told reporters after opening the delegates meeting of the Shah Alam Umno Division, here, Sunday.

Muhyiddin said the programme would incorporate modules for people-friendly approaches and actions such as listening to and resolving the people's grouses in an effective manner. He said participants of the programme would be exposed to new approaches to be applied by Umno to enable them make prudent and matured decisions on what they should do at the respective divisions and branches.

Muhyiddin said the chairman of the training committee, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, would prepare the modules of the programme for application by Umno leaders at all levels for a two-year period.

"We realise that the community evaluates Umno from what has taken place so far. We want Umno leaders, after they have attended the programme, to strive not only to get closer to the people but also champion the plight of the Malays and Malaysians," he said.

Meanwhile, in his speech earlier, Muhyiddin urged Umno leaders to take proactive measures to strengthen the party.

He said that the other Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties should also strengthen themselves so that the BN was seen as formidable and energised to continue with its struggle for the people.