KUALA LUMPUR: Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan says the party can only be revived by true leaders who hold firmly to principles and the party’s true struggle.
He said it was high time party members elected leaders who were confident and committed to the true Umno ideology, which was to strive to provide the best and serve the Malays and Bumiputeras, without ignoring the importance all Malaysian citizens.
He said only those who truly embraced this ideology could bring best out of Malaysia.
For more than 10 years since he joined Umno, he said rarely heard talk or discussion about Umno’s ideology and the principles that the party was built on.
During those years, he said he also witnessed great leaders with exemplary thoughts and ideas, strong personalities and commitment to the party’s struggles being pushed aside and ignored.
“This is because we are so used to the culture of power politics instead of those with principles,” he told the New Straits Times.
“Money politics is the cause of Umno’s downfall and despite this stark reality; it remains deeply embedded in the party’s culture and practices.
“Anybody who has money will surely control the party members.”
Mohamad said it was sad to see his comrades leaving the party, one after another, after the 14th General Election.
However, he said he respected their decision because loyalty and devotion could not be forced.
He said it was just part and parcel of politics.
“This is why we need to have principles in our struggles because without it, our fight and motivation to move forward is fragile and weak,” he said.
A principled struggle, the former Negri Sembilan menteri besar said came from deep moral confidence.
He said it was also a reflection of our self-worth, thoughts, personality and strength.
He said this was why leaders with true principles would never compromise their values and beliefs.
He said many people had forgotten these important elements of leadership and believed that sticking to principles was too idealistic. Instead, he said, they choose to prioritise power and money politics and this was why Umno had become weak.
“In this post-modern Umno era, principles lack appeal. What makes a politician successful and influential is who he associates with.
“The degree of success in Umno is measured through a person’s influence, authority and wealth.
“However, I believe we can heal this disease within the party.
“We can rejuvenate Umno by bringing back leaders who are principled and have morals.
“We need to return to our original purpose, a leadership that is trusted and followed because of its honesty and not because of power.”