KUALA LUMPUR: There is no place for those with personal political ambitions in Umno, as the party should be an arena to steer the future of the nation and its people.
Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said while the Malay nationalist party aims to unite and regain the trust of the people, the unity cannot be achieved without loyalty among its members.
He said Umno was able to govern the country for decades due to the loyalty of its members.
"However, we cannot be selective with loyalty.
"Some are only loyal to the party when it is led by certain individuals; otherwise, their loyalty towards the party wanes.
"Loyalty shouldn't also be seasonal; it is an oath of allegiance.
"Despite storms, we must remain loyal to the party's cause because we embrace the struggle for the people, religion, and nation," he said.
Mohamad said this during his speech at the launch of the Umno Youth, Wanita, and Puteri delegates' conferences here tonight.
Present were party's three vice-presidents - Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and several other party top leaders.
At the same time, he said, while Umno members may not always agree with the party's top leadership, differences in opinion, conflicting ideas, and stances are part of the struggle that must be managed with maturity and wisdom.
He said Umno, as a rational and sensible party, should welcome differing opinions that are honest and sincere, not just blind obedience.
Differing views, conflicting ideas and clashing stances are just part of the struggle that must be managed with maturity and wisdom, he said.
"(However), they must not override our loyalty and love for the party, especially if they are driven by emotions and personal interests.
"Do not let our anger destroy what we cherish in Umno, which is the struggle for the benefit of our nation."