March north and not south, Pak Lah tells Umno
Former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on Umno to be more proactive to meet current demands as opposed to transforming into a more aggressive political entity.
He also cautioned Umno delegates against stoking racial sentiments during the party’s annual general assembly.
Former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on Umno to be more proactive to meet current demands as opposed to transforming into a more aggressive political entity.
He also cautioned Umno delegates against stoking racial sentiments during the party’s annual general assembly.
In his latest blog posting, Abdullah, who is fondly known as Pak Lah, expressed concern that some felt Umno had extremist tendencies or was backing such groups.
"To me, this is very saddening and worrying. Perhaps, a handful agree and are attracted to extremist and aggressive views and rhetoric.
"But I believe that the majority of Malaysians want party leaders who truly understand their problems, they want a party which can find solutions to issues and problems," he said.
Although Umno is for the Malays, its former president said the party also leads all Malaysians.
As the most important party in the BN government, he noted that the Umno assembly would elaborate the importance of administering this nation in a fair manner to ensure development not only for the Malays but all citizens.
"In this context, the Malays have shown much progress but it cannot be denied that the agenda is not complete.
"I admit that the formula and political philosophy to achieve fairness and socio-economic equilibrium must be changed.
"Increasing the Malays economic share does not have to be accompanied by suspicion and conspiracy theories amongst the races," he said.
In the pursuit of progress, Abdullah said, the Malays do not need to point fingers or hurt others.
The former premier, who stepped down in 2009, hoped that in this Umno assembly, positive voices would prevail.
"Use a positive approach to elevate the Malay Muslims and raise the spirit of the struggle, not the spirit of racism so that Umno’s agenda can be accepted by all.
"I believe that Umno’s rhetoric and political philosophy must be transformed immediately in line with the development of the political philosophy of Malaysians today," he said.
Abdullah also expressed hope that non-Malays would not misunderstand when they hear Umno members discussing and debating Malay issues, and making "baseless accusations".
"Although there may be fiery speeches, Umno is not a racist party," he said.
He also hoped that the media, bloggers and cybertroopers would not be instigators and put Umno and the people on a collision course.
Related stories
'Only Umno, Malay elites risk being Red Indians'
'In no man's land, Najib talks but nobody listens'
Are you blind or naive, Isma flays Pak Samad
Reprimand leaders, Dr M tells Umno delegates
March north and not south, Pak Lah tells Umno
'Zahid's wrong, Malaysians not for Sedition Act'
PAS' hudud and Umno's hudud - any difference?
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.