KUALA LUMPUR – The Umno General Assembly 2020 (PAU20) kicked off with a clear riposte to Bersatu, with Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan saying his party, unlike its splinter outfit, will continue to champion Malay and Muslim rights.
In his opening speech for the meetings of the Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings this morning, the deputy president said leaders of Malay splinter parties that have just emerged from the shadows should not be talking about championing “perpaduan ummah” (Malay-Muslim unity) to Umno when they have no track record of doing so themselves.
“Do not talk about Malay-Muslim unity when you oppose us after having hugged and embraced us before. Do not talk about unity when you only know how to bait and tackle those who are quick to leave the cause.
“This includes those who insult and patronise Malays non-stop,” he said, referencing Bersatu’s continuous attempts to poach members of Umno and other political outfits.
Describing leaders of the rival party as being inclined towards anti-Malay unity, Mohamad, who is popularly known as Tok Mat, said they never championed efforts for unity until Bersatu came under threat.
“Even more disgusting was when those who left PKR had no shame when talking about Malay-Muslim unity. Their struggle for many years had never focused on Malay welfare, let alone Malay unity.”
Stressing Umno’s track record when it comes to forging Malay and Malaysian unity via Barisan Nasional over the years, and currently with PAS, Mohamad said his party will continue to develop Malays’ resilience and not stoop to save any particular individual or political alliance.
While Umno and BN will continue to champion Malay unity, he said, the future of Malaysia will not be bright with only that guarantee.
“The guarantee of a good future for Malaysia must be present with the unity of all races. Unity that is rooted in each other, strengthens each other, for the sake of the Malaysia that we love.”
To win the 15th general election, he said, Umno must be clear on several factors.
“Firstly, Umno must not be confused on who its enemies are. Umno should know who they are without any need to mention them here. Secondly, Umno must learn how to manage those who pretend to support the party, but whose souls have been sold to others. Thirdly, Umno must stress that those who are enemies of Malays and Muslims are Umno’s enemies.
“As long as they do not cross this line, Umno remains open to exploring any form of cooperation being offered.”
The two-day PAU20 will be decisive in charting the future of the country’s oldest Malay-based political organisation – particularly for GE15.
The fact that Umno has been playing second fiddle in the Perikatan Nasional coalition led by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Bersatu has led to many grouses among the party grassroots and leadership, most whom are keen to cut ties with Bersatu come the elections. – The Vibes, March 27, 2021
