MUAR: Umno has never been a racist party and never condones racism in any aspect of its policies or practices, said party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said while certain quarters accused the party of being racist, the Malays in Umno were always together with non-Malays under the Barisan Nasional concept of power sharing.
"Who says Umno members are racist? Umno is not racist and has never played the racial card.
"The Malays in Umno have always (worked) together with non-Malays...the power sharing concept is still firmly upheld by Umno as it will ensure the country's future," said Najib when opening the new Muar Umno division building in Jalan Meriam today.
Najib, who is Prime Minister, however warned the people against insulting the dignity of the Malays.
"Even though Umno has never played the racial card, it is not a reason for people to insult the dignity of the Malays."
When addressing the crowd of 3,000 Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders and members, Najib urged them to uphold the spirit of the party's struggle, which has been its strength all these years.
"The strength of Umno lies in its members' ability to preserve the spirit of the party's struggle."
Najib also talked about the Sept 16 rally which was held in support of the government and denied that the gathering was racist in any manner.
"The Sept 16 rally was a peaceful event and was held in support of the government," he said.