Malaysia Halls canteen in London was packed with Malaysian students decked in their finest. Even though it was a weekend, the students had a sense of purpose to a certain extent, determination etched all over their young faces.

I was there to enjoy a value for money Malaysian breakfast but couldnt resist taking a peep into the room where the UKEC (United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students) annual general meeting was taking place. What I saw truly amazed me hopeful office bearers standing in front of their peers, outlining their vision for the future of the organisation.

Representatives from the floor asked probing questions and the answers given by the candidates were scrutinised and debated. In a way, it was like Parliament with very young members. The meeting was undoubtedly an indication and good advertisement for the potential of youth activism in Malaysia.

Back to reality and the ongoing saga of Umno politics. As widely predicted, three candidates managed to secure enough nominations to contest for the coveted Umno Youth leadership scheduled for March (or is it December now?).

With recent events unfolding, it appears that the decision on whether a debate involving the candidates should be held could play a central role in the campaign. Recently I wrote in this column about the need for more debates to enhance the standard of Malaysian politics. As I wrote then, debates in politics are not new. In the history of the world lessons, some of us would have learnt that as far back as 1858, the great American President Abraham Lincoln took part in the Illinois Senate Debates when he spoke about slavery and the Union.

That was 150 years ago. As such I find it difficult to fathom the merits of the school of thought within Umno Youth that is wholeheartedly against the notion of a public debate because, according to them, the contest for posts in a party is an internal matter and that a public debate will only undermine efforts to strengthen the party. There are some within this segment that even refuse to endorse a debate behind close doors.

The criticism that followed the live telecast of the previous Umno Assembly notwithstanding, the results of March 8 is proof enough that Umno cant exist in isolation. If everything remains within the confines of internal matter, then there is a fear that Umno has not heeded or learnt from these experiences.

Many are of the opinion that Umno should welcome the debate as it would be an avenue to showcase its leadership talents and in some way, regain the young voters confidence in the next general election. Now is the time for Umno to fulfil its role of being a platform for all Malaysians. In so doing, it must engage and embrace all the relevant stakeholders. What better way than to include them when discussing the proposed solutions to the many problems facing our youth now.

As for the argument that things might turn ugly and leave an adverse impact on the party, I honestly believe the three candidates are able to differentiate between right and wrong. As seasoned politicians representing a constituency, and in some ways the country, they are well aware of the limitations and boundaries they must not cross.

Naturally, such a proposed debate would also bring benefits to its members. Is it a given that the party already knows the candidates well? Surely, and especially with the ever-changing political scenario both within and outside the party, it is not inaccurate to say that Umno Youth members need to know the candidates better.

In the campaign period, the candidates meet-and-greet sessions at each division usually last an average of three hours. I wouldnt be surprised if delegates, especially the newly elected ones, find it difficult to answer in earnest what each candidate stood for on certain key issues affecting the youth and their future. And I am not even talking about ordinary members yet.

The leaders within Umno Youth must realise that they play an important part in shaping our politics. There must be courage and willingness to act outside the safe zones that define the party. Enduring images of youth all over the world some peaceful and others not in demonstrations that helped bring democracy to their countries are aplenty. Do we not already have the platform of peace-loving, dedicated youth that can be used as inspiration to bring the party to higher ground?

I wonder what the UKEC students would have made of leaders debating about holding a debate. Aspirants for the mantle of any youth leadership, especially in Umno, I dare say, represent the standard of which the younger generation should emulate. Not the other way around.