“There is also the fact that when compared to other parties that have administered the country, Umno has a track record and the experience,” the former Umno Youth chief said at a meet-and-greet session here.

Last week, Umno Supreme Council member Ahmad Maslan revealed that 6,009 of the 10,000 who applied to join the party under the “Rumah Bangsa” initiative were below 40.

Khairy, who recently rejoined Umno, dismissed claims that the increase in younger new members was due to the presence of influential personalities, saying it was the result of collective efforts within the party.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said 8,008 new members have joined the party since online registration opened on April 20, excluding those who signed up under the Puteri wing.

He said the move to allow online registration has made it easier for young people to join.

“We are seeing extraordinary enthusiasm. They are not concerned about which branch or division they belong to, as long as they can become Umno members.”