'The equation has been altered'

In the first Umno general assembly since the decisive March 8 general election last year, incoming president Najib Abdul Razak reminded party members that the equation has been altered.

Addressing delegates at the party’s 59th annual general assembly in Kuala Lumpur tonight, he said despite Umno’s greatness in the past, members must keep their feet on the ground.

"The political landscape has changed. We can no longer be nostalgic about previous achievements without creating new achievements,” he said, adding that as a party which intends to remain relevant with the demands of changing times, Umno cannot dwell on the past.

Touching on the younger generation, Najib said more than one third of the Malaysian population can be categorised as “youth” i.e. they are within the 15-40 age group.

More than 70 percent of those below 40 were born after the tragedy of May 13, 1969. Overall, 90 percent of the population were born post Merdeka. whereas those born after the end of the NEP, i.e. those born in 1991, will be eligible to vote by the year 2012, he added.

“These changes, coupled with advances in ICT, greater accessibility and mobility, economic progress and better education have directly resulted in the birth of a class of voters who are better informed, very demanding and highly critical,” he said.

Renewal and rejuvenation

Najib also stressed on the importance of Umno being a driving force in fulfilling the aspirations of the Malay community.

“To that end, there must be some introspection on our part followed by renewal and rejuvenation. It is clear that our advancement is conditional upon our ability to correctly assess our strengths and weaknesses.

“Weaknesses must be addressed whereas strengths should be further amplified. If we do not undertake this process, Umno will continue to be seen as a party still in denial. This effort to reinvigorate the party demands that we revive the ideals of our struggle,” he said.

To do this, Najib said, Umno must first remove itself from being linked to money politics and any other form of unsavoury activities.

“Umno, or for that matter any party or organisation will be destroyed if its leaders are enshrouded in the evils of money politics. Leaders of good standing who do not indulge in corruption will be sidelined in favour of those who bribe. The party will be led by those who will bring their culture of corruption in the way they lead,” he added.

Najib also said that Umno cannot afford to be seen as a party which is against new ideas, against academics or as party which was uncongenial to youths.

“We must ensure that we as a party cease and desist from the deplorable acts of eliminating and blocking talented members from making progress in the party. Such despicable behaviour only serves to alienate those who sincerely wish to contribute to the struggle.

“Apart from that, whether we realise it or not, there is now a perception that the aspirations of Umno are far removed from the aspirations of the masses. To those having this perception, they feel that what Umno wants is very different from what the rakyat expects. As such, we must correct this perception and we must not get trapped in our own cocoon.

Members should embrace humility

“We mustn’t get too caught up in the internal processes of the party. We must never be too preoccupied with winning positions in the party, to the extent that we forget that the real measure of success of a democratic political party is whether or not it can win elections. Indeed, what is the point of winning party positions within a party that is bereft of authority and is no longer in power?” he added.

Najib said Umno can also achieve greatness if its members embrace humility and the desire to serve the people.

The perception that Umno is an elitist party which exists in isolation must be erased as well, he said, adding that its leaders must be able to interpret the wishes of the people.

The incoming president also said that Umno must change the manner in which the party elects its leaders, including the quota system.

“We must give the right to choose the leaders to a greater number of members. As it stands, the deciders are a delegation of some 2,600 delegates from 191 divisions. Clearly, the choice of these delegates cannot correctly reflect the preferences of more than three million grassroots members from across the nation.

“To my mind, the time has come for us to review the Umno constitution regarding this matter so that the selection of leaders will be more inclusive of a greater number of members from all levels.

“This move will be able to put to an end to the problems of money politics and abuse of power. This is the path we must take if we are to regain our strength by returning to the grassroots the mandate for choosing party leaders,” he added.

Najib also stressed on the importance of the monarchy’s role in the country and warned those who distort historical facts regarding Umno amending the law in relation to the sultans.

Rafidah praised for unwavering commitment

“Umno holds sacred the position of the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the land. The Malay rulers and the monarchy are an essential part of the constitution. Even though in our system the monarch reigns but does not rule, the state governments and the federal government rule in the name of the Malay rulers as the head above the executive arm of government.

“Therefore if the Malays themselves fail to show the utmost respect to the Malay rulers who have all this time served as the symbol of unity and stability, then who else will?

“Therefore let no one twist the facts of history in recounting Umno’s actions to amend the law with regard to the rulers. It was never done in bad faith, but rather with the noble intention of preserving the royal institution and upholding the doctrine of the separation of powers which is the basis of any democratic government,” he added.

Praising Wanita chief Rafidah Aziz, Najib said the veteran politician has displayed unwavering commitment whatever the circumstances, especially during elections.

“The unity of Wanita is extremely important to Umno. Therefore, let us not forsake all that we have achieved thus far just because of a temporary excitement over contests for party posts.

“We do not want to see disunity. Be united, for indeed the winner does not take all and the loser does not lose all. The victor must be magnanimous and accept the vanquished with an open heart. The vanquished must accept the decision of the delegates and continue with the struggles of the party,” he added.

Describing members of the Youth wing as the “warriors who form the shield of the party”, Najib said they have always been in the frontline of the struggle.

The deputy premier also stressed that Umno cannot be separated from the Malays. “Like the river and its bank, like a song and its melody.”

Malays seem lost & weakened

“History has shown that when Umno and the Malays move as one, we rose to far greater heights than we ever thought possible. But when we are in disarray to the extent that there are those who abandon the interest of the Malays for their own selfish gains, then that is when negative elements quickly seep in and fan the flames of discontent.

“Now, we see that the Malays seem lost and weakened. Because of that, there are those who dare question what has previously been agreed to and entrenched in the Federal Constitution. There are even those who have the audacity to accuse us of apartheid, when history will show this is far from the truth.

“Let it be known, that the policies introduced by the government in aid of the Malays are not formulated because we feel that the Malays are better than everyone else. Rather, we create these policies precisely because the Malays are left behind compared to others.

“At the end of the day, the policies of the government will always be anchored on the principle of fairness for all,” he said.