[UPDATED] Don’t be apologetic in your fight for Malay, Islam, Bumi issues: Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno members need not be contrite when voicing out on pertinent issues in defence of Malay, Bumiputera and Islamic rights, said party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 

Addressing delegates at the 2023 Umno general assembly today, the deputy prime minister asserted that despite accusations from rival parties, the Barisan Nasional linchpin has never strayed from its principles of fighting for the Malay Muslim community. 

“Efforts to empower and implement Islamic values, while respecting the freedom of believers of other religions, remain part of our agenda as part of the unity government.

“There is no need (for Umno members) to feel apologetic when addressing Islam, Malay and Bumiputera issues because we have never sidelined the rights and interests of other races in our nation,” he said. 

Pointing to Umno’s stance objecting to the usage of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims, Zahid said that the party’s outlook on the matter has remained steadfast, unlike “political chameleons” who utilise the religion for their own benefits. 

“Whatever their argument is, it is obvious that they will change skins according to their moods. Malay and Islam (issues) for them are just a mask used in their political plays,” he said in an apparent dig at Perikatan Nasional (PN) component member PAS.  

PAS had previously given its approval to the usage of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims when it was political comrades with DAP under the then opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat.

Besides that, Zahid also ostensibly took aim at the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin-led coalition, claiming that while the outfit is prone to throwing condemnation at Umno, it is not free from its own misdeeds. 

“After less than two years at the peak of power, the Bumiputera agenda, which was supposed to be their principle, was (involved in) Jana Wibawa.  

“This is the characteristic of a traitor that has wrapped itself with the slogan of clean and stable,” he said.  

It is believed that Zahid was referring to the Jana Wibawa Bumiputera development fund scandal, which has since seen Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, being hit with power abuse and money laundering charges.  

The Umno general assembly today was also graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who joined the proceedings for the first time in 25 years after he was controversially sacked from the party in 1998 under the presidency of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. – The Vibes, June 9, 2023