Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin has reminded the party leadership to be bold and vocal in their struggle for the special rights and dignity of the Malays.

Muhyiddin, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the party leadership
 should focus on confronting the challenges of politics at the moment.

"As such, our leadership should be firm, bold and willing to move forward
 without feeling fearful as we are on the right side," said Muhyiddin at a dinner
 organised by the Pagoh Umno division at Pagoh Sports Complex in Muar, Johor, yesterday.

Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, said by believing and having confidence that the party's struggle was right, the leadership need not waver in facing the 
present political challenges.

"How many Umno leaders are bold enough to come foward to defend the rights
 and dignity of Malays, regardless of whether we succeed or not, it depends on our efforts to continue our struggle," he said.

At the same time, Muhyiddin also rejected the perception of certain parties 
that Umno now was not vocal in defending the issues close to the hearts of
 Malays compared to certain other non-governmental organisations led by Malays.

Muhyiddin, who was accompanied by his wife Noorainee Abdul Rahman, 
also joined 500 Umno members in entertaining Pagoh Umno veterans.

Fourteen Umno veterans were later presented special awards as a gesture of
 appreciation for their struggle in the party, especially for Pagoh division.

The programme themed 'Retro 60's' also featured various events such as
 performances by several artistes.     

Also present were Johor Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Committee chairperson and Bukit Serampang state assemblyperson Ismail Mohamed and Jorak assemblyperson Dr Shahruddin Md Salleh.

- Bernama