This Article is taken from The Star Malaysia, 15th June 2008

ALOR STAR: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob was left speechless at a dinner meeting after several leaders started questioning him on his call for Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir to step down as Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chairman.

The youths, most of them Umno and Belia 4B members, were at a meeting held in Sungai Petani on Friday night.

Ismail had said that it was only proper that Mohkzani relinquished his post, as he was no longer an Umno member.

Jalan Badlishah Umno Youth branch chief Ridzuan Omar questioned Ismail’s authority for making such a call.

“Who are you (Ismail) to ask Datuk Mokhzani to step down? We, the 4B Youth members, had benefited tremendously from the motoring activities mooted by Datuk Mokhzani.

“What have you (Ismail) done for the youth? We have hardly heard your name until two months ago,” he said.

Umno Kulim Hi-Tech branch Youth chief Faizal Mansor questioned why national Umno leaders were quick to jump every time former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his son Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz made hard-hitting statements.

“Why don’t you all listen to their constructive criticism?” he said.

Ismail left the dinner without responding to the questions.

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Haha, that will teach you ministers to reflect on your own achievements and contributions to the society and economy first before opening your mouth and attempt to smudge dirt into other people’s face. I’m pleased to see that there’s still people who dares to speak up wittingly. Perhaps, hope are not lost after all. And as for Umno Kulim Hi-Tech branch Youth chief Faizal Mansor’s question, I think I can answer that.  Constructive criticism can’t be accepted well, unless people can take up the challenges and excel. People are afraid to fail. This is Malaysia. Malaysians mindsets are still yet to be changed. We’re still not looking forward and only plan for short term effects. Oh, well, I guess some things are not meant to be.