Kurang rejected claims that his position is driven by personal animosity, adding his politics is based on principles, not friendships. “I criticise everybody including people I respect and people I have personal relationships with, that doesn’t mean I have personal beef.”
He argued that leadership choice matters more than age, but raised concerns about credibility. “I will not compare someone who is 32 or 40 years old and has many questions to answer on corruption to someone who is 60 or 70 and has fewer questions to answer,” he stated.
“You can put whoever you want,” Kurang said. “But if it’s someone I don’t believe in, I will not be there; that is democracy.”
Kurang also took aim at politicians who react badly to criticism, saying anyone who cannot tolerate dissent has no place in politics. “If you cannot take criticism, you should leave the political arena,” he said.
Addressing claims that UDP puts party interest above national interest, Kurang said his stance against corruption and money politics has not changed. “Nothing has changed in my principles, I am against corruption inside the party and outside the party.”
He said while the UDP is not corruption-free, he appreciates its stance that the party is not for sale, stressing that financial interest should never override national interest. “I’m an accountant. I cannot tell you any party is corruption free, but I support the principles I see.”
On the long-standing debate about flagbearership within the UDP, Kurang said he has no issue with one individual leading a political party for a long time, arguing that party leadership is a voluntary sacrifice, not a taxpayer-funded job. However, he drew a firm line when it comes to the presidency.
“The presidency must have term limits because it is funded by taxpayers’ money,” he said, adding that no one should rule the country for more than two terms.
Kurang also addressed the coalition government era, admitting that mistakes were made and that collective responsibility cannot be denied. He said if UDP ever comes to power, its leaders must also be ready to answer questions about past decisions, including issues linked to the OIC and the Janneh Commission.
“Joining a party does not mean everyone in that party is an angel, we all make mistakes. The truth is how you win people’s hearts.”
