Barisan Nasional leaders noted Umno president Najib Abdul Razak's policy speech when opening the Umno general assembly today, as emphasising the importance of the parties to champion and put the people above themselves.

NONE Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon felt that the message in the speech was not only directed at Umno, but at all BN component parties.

"We do believe in this principle, approach and spirit. There will be changes as desired by the people and this is a good start, not only for Umno but also for BN so that we will re-focus on the community.

"We will get close to the people and champion their lot. This will be a point of transformation in Umno and BN and we will unite in this effort," he said when met after the opening of the assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre today.

United Sabah People's Party president Joseph Kurup said the Umno president's message clearly demonstrated that he wanted the nation's leaders to change their attitudes, and be closer to the people and understand their needs.

Najib also outlined several matters that could win over the people for their own progress and comfort, regardless of status, race and culture, he said.

Readapting to changes

Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president William Mawan said Najib's policy speech, besides being inspiring and reassuring, also brought all the component parties in BN to the next frontier for the future.

umno agm egm 151009 najib give speech 04 "The most important thing is, Umno as the leader of the component parties in BN, must be strengthened and readapt itself to changes so that other component parties can be proud and take inspiration from it," he said.

Mawan said the speech covered a very broad scope that reached out to everybody, in every perspective.

"People might have felt a little weary and a bit disgruntled before, but because of the speech we can prepare ourselves for the future," he added.

PPPP president M Kayveas, meanwhile, regarded Umno amending its constitution as a brave move that should be emulated by the other BN components.