UMNO delegates who converged here for the past three days left with a clearer picture of how the party will be steered in pushing forward the interests of the Malays and the nation.
Party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak had covered a wide ambit of topics in his policy and winding-up speeches when replying to suggestions raised by delegates during the debates on economy and religion.
Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said the prime minister had encapsulated the thinking of all members and “there were several things that he mentioned which we did not expect at all”.
“He mentioned the Syariah index to help us measure what we have done so far and whether they are
in compliance with Syariah or not.”
Mukhriz said party members wanted the Sedition Act to be used against those who were critical not just about Islam, but other religions, too.
Umno Supreme Council member and Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan described the party president’s winding-up speech as holistic.
“This proves that he (Najib) is putting national harmony and sovereignty as his main priorities when he announced that the Sedition Act will stay.
“We are glad that the president has also decided to use the act against those who promote the secession of Sabah and Sarawak.”
Wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the movement had been taking rejuvenation steps since last year.
“Last year, our rejuvenation began when we replaced 73 division chiefs with those who were younger, with our youngest leader being 36 years old.
“If our members are young in age but frail in spirit, it will not benefit us.
“But if they are not so young but vivacious, that is rejuvenation in itself.”
On making second-language learning a must for students, Shahrizat said the next generation of Malaysians would be multilingual and this would ensure solidarity among the races.
“It is important for us to uphold the dignity and status of the Malay language.”
Puteri chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin lauded the initiative requiring Umno members to undergo a special training called KERIS 2341.
“This is a good effort to equip our members, especially the fresh blood, with crucial skills to face the next general election.
“This course will train party leaders and members on comradeship and integration,” she said.
Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the party president’s speech was proof that the latter listened to the voices of the grassroots.
“Many of the issues raised by the Umno Youth delegates, especially on housing, has been noted by the party president. He has also come up with an action plan to address these issues,” he said.
On the move the keep the Sedition Act in place, Khairy said the law would protect the rights of all Malaysians, and not just the Malays.
“This act will protect everyone from statements that incite hatred. We live in a multiracial country, and freedom comes with certain boundaries.
“This law is to make sure that all speech that incites hatred among the ethnic groups, or challenges the position of the Malay rulers, will be criminalised,” he said.
On the party’s rejuvenation programme, Khairy said he would make sure all decisions made by the party to transform Umno would be supported by party members.
“If they don’t understand the rejuvenation programme, we will explain to the grassroots so that they will support this initiative,” he added.
Umno permanent chairman Tan Sri Badruddin Amiruldin said the party president had given all Malays and Malaysians hope that everyone would be protected under the leadership of Umno, as the backbone of Barisan Nasional.
“In his winding up speech he had covered all aspects that needed to be highlighted. Even though it is an assembly for Malays, the president paid attention to all the grouses from the grassroots which bring with them not just the concerns of the Malays but all Malaysians,” he said.
He also said Najib’s call for solidarity should be echoed in Umno and in BN component parties as well.
Umno Tenggara divison deputy chief Datuk Suhaimi Khalid said Najib’s wind up speech showed the president’s open mindedness and courage in defending Malay rights as well as the safety of the country.
“Retaining the sedition act was the right thing to do. Abolishing the act would leave Malaysians to live in fear which could create chaos,” he said.