Tok Mat calls for blueprint for 'modern, advanced' Malay agenda

Umno needs to come up with a blueprint for a “modern and advanced” Malay agenda to regain the confidence of the Malays, said party deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023 general assembly of Umno's Women, Youth and Puteri wings, Mohamad stated the party cannot plan systematic programmes for the advancement of the Malay community without providing an action plan.

“My call is for Umno to take bold and decisive steps. We need to draft a new blueprint that carries a ‘modern and advanced’ Malay agenda to convince the community that we have a clear plan for them.

“With such a blueprint, we can prove that we are aware of the problems plaguing the Malay community and that we have long-term strategies and plans for them.

“Only by doing so can we distinguish ourselves from those who co-opt race and religion in Malaysia’s political landscape – those who exist only to play on racial and religious sentiments for political survival,” he said during his speech at the event held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

The Rembau MP also proposed that Umno immediately organise a Malay Congress and gather the best thinkers to help produce the blueprint.

Earlier, Mohamad said the blueprint is crucial because Umno is not seen as successful in presenting a more progressive agenda for the Malays.

“Four years have been squandered after being hampered by various political crises in the country.

“Although it is bitter to swallow, the fact remains that the bumiputera are far behind other races in this country.

“Malays are still among the most impoverished, with the highest poverty rate compared to other communities," he said.

More moderate Malay and Islam

Meanwhile, Mohamad said the party will continue to advocate for Islam and the Malays within the “hubbul watan” (love for one’s homeland) framework which is more moderate.

He said that Umno will also value Malaysia's diversity, with its political and social units encompassing various religions, ethnicities and cultures.

However, Mohamad reminded delegates that the party's struggle is still based on Malay nationalism and Islam, even when working together with multi-ethnic parties.

“Remember, Umno's ‘DNA’ is Malay nationalism and Islam. It is an identity that will never waver.

“Just because we are in a government that includes 19 other parties does not mean we discard our religion and abandon the Malays. Absolutely not.

“That is why we have been called 'assabiyah' (racists) for decades by certain parties. We have been labelled as a party of factionalism and fanatically racists.

“So, dispel all doubts about Umno's firm stance on Malays and Islam.

“In conclusion, we will not fall behind. We will continue to move forward," he said in front of over 2,000 delegates from the party's wings.

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