It is time for UMNO president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to respond to the criticisms hurled by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said Ibdilillah Ishak in a press statement, today.

"The issues raised by Tun Dr Mahathir is about the future of UMNO and the 14th General Election (GE14), which I guess comes from his love for the party above all else,” said the UMNO Youth Exco.

He added, the youth want a comprehensive response from the Prime Minister.

"I applaud the transparency displayed by the Prime Minister in receiving criticisms the public. The Prime Minister is an inclusive leader in administering the country. Young Malaysians however, want to see the response of the Prime Minister of any slander statements made against him by any opponents. Maybe it is time.”

Ibdillah stated the leadership of this country need a “Cabinet of Talents” who want to see a change within UMNO.

“Young Malaysians see UMNO’s leadership from the party leadership right to the leadership at branch level. They want to see change happening in UMNO. The rejuvenation process should be hastened.

“Young Malaysians see what’s happening recently. They are aware of the country’s problems. For example, the debt-stricken 1MDB, the newly-imposed Goods and Services Tax (GST), and maybe in the future TPPA. Although most of it are slander, youth in UMNO will defend this sacred party,” he explained.

Last Thursday, Dr Mahathir through his blog (chedet.cc) stated his harshest criticism to date, against Najib who is also the leader of UMNO -- citing that the party and Barisan Nasional will be defeated at the GE14 -- if Najib is still at the helm.

Sharing Dr Mahathir's sentiment was UMNO veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah or also known as KuLi, who said it is timely for the truth to prevail and disclosed to the rakyat in respect of scandals and issues surrounding Najib's administration.