MELAKA: Barisan Nasional adopts a balanced approach between youth and experience in selecting candidates for the Melaka election, rather than focusing solely on age, says former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said the coalition prioritised candidates with proven track records and achievements while ensuring representation across different age groups.
Khairy dismissed suggestions that parties fielding older candidates would result in Melaka being led by “dinosaurs”, adding that age should not be the sole criterion for candidate selection.
He said BN’s candidates included those in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
“Barisan Nasional is not a party of dinosaurs. Surely, candidates do not have to be in their 20s to be considered young.
“Our candidates in their 30s and 40s are mature, but certainly not too old.
“We have a balance of candidates across different age groups. To me, that is what Barisan Nasional represents,” he said when met at the Sembang Anak Muda programme in Kampung Batang Tiga, Bukit Rambai.
Khairy was responding to questions about BN’s candidate selection strategy compared with Pakatan Harapan, which fielded several candidates in their 20s for the state election.
Yesterday, PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim warned that Malaysia would continue to be led by “dinosaurs” if younger politicians were denied opportunities to assume leadership positions.
Speaking at a PH campaign event in Klebang, Kamil said age should not be used to question a candidate’s capabilities, particularly those with proven records of community service and commitment to the people.
He questioned the perception that only politicians in their 60s had sufficient experience to lead, while those below 30 were considered unqualified.
Khairy said age alone should not determine a candidate’s suitability, arguing that experience and a proven record of service were equally important.
“We do not select candidates simply because of their age. We choose them based on their track records.
“What is the point of selecting someone solely because they are young? It doesn’t make sense.
“If they are young, that is a bonus. But what matters more is whether they have a proven track record of achievements,” he said.
Khairy also rejected suggestions that BN lacked young political talent, citing several candidates who had risen through the ranks of Umno Youth and other youth organisations.
He named Merlimau candidate Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh and Rembia candidate Azril Aziz as examples of candidates with backgrounds in youth leadership.
“These are people who came through the Umno Youth machinery and youth organisations.
“So they are not really dinosaurs. In fact, they are not dinosaurs at all. If they are dinosaurs, then I am an even bigger dinosaur,” quipped the 50-year-old former Youth and Sports Minister.
The three youngest candidates in the Melaka election are from PH: Mukhlis Mubin, 24, in Kuala Linggi; Farzana Hayani, 26, in Klebang; and Jason Tze-Xi, 31, in Pengkalan Batu.
BN’s youngest candidates are Akmal and Jasmine Lok, both aged 38.
The coalition’s oldest candidate is Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh, 65, contesting in Tanjung Bidara. He is one year younger than PH candidate Captain (Rtd) Mohamad Jaafar, 66, who is contesting in Telok Mas.
Khairy added that political discourse on social media had become more competitive, with platforms previously perceived as PH strongholds now appearing more balanced.
“When we look at certain platforms that were previously regarded as PH strongholds, the situation now appears more balanced,” he said.