Free Malaysia Today
May 10, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Najib Tun Razak has called on all Umno members to intensify efforts in preparing the party for the 13th general election.

“Sound the siren, beat the war drums and heat up the engines. Do not ever allow lies, falsehood and any attempt at fooling the people, to succeed.

“Remember that past deeds will just remain in the annals of history if we fail in this big test. Umno must continue to be strong and relevant in order to chart new achievements for the sake of religion, society and nation,” he said in his message in conjunction with Umno’s 65th anniversary celebration tomorrow.

The prime minister said the tsunami that hit the party in the last general election was no excuse for pessimism, and now was also not the time to lament and dwell on the past.

“The reality is, if we still do not see our mistakes and take corrective measures after more than three years since the 12th general election, we are only charting a dark future for the party and people.

“This is the time for action and work, and not the time to be nostalgic and emotional.”

Najib said the party members should be grateful to Allah and be thankful to the people for Umno to be still the ruling party that had the trust and confidence of the people, especially the Malays and other Bumiputeras.

He said the trust and confidence did not exist naturally, but was gained and fostered as a result of the sincerity and commitment of past and present party leaders and members.

“This trust and confidence might not have prevailed without the capabilities of the leaders and members in continuing to feel the pulse of the people and in fulfilling their aspirations.”

Changing political landscape

Najib said for 65 years, Umno had gone through various trials and tribulations.

“Experience and history have made Umno a strong political party, realistic and mature, and which have also given it strength to transform itself in keeping with the demands of the changing political landscape, ensuring that the party remains fresh and relevant.”

He said since Umno’s establishment before the country’s independence, the party had proved its capability to not only unite the Malays but also to lead in administering the country.

“History has also proved how great Umno’s role and contributions have been. We shall not forget the deeds of Umno leaders such as Datuk Onn Jaafar, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and others to the party and nation.

“While we all appreciate their deeds and contributions, Umno leaders, members and supporters need to realise that Umno’s contributions to the religion, race and nation will not ensure continued public support for Umno as a ruling party.

“Therefore, we must continue the struggle of our past leaders in being the voice of the people,” he said.

Najib said Umno and its partners in Barisan Nasional (BN) should ensure that the present day for Malaysians was better than the yesteryear, and that the future would be brighter for them and their children.

“Let us (Umno and other BN components) continue to work hard together to build a more prosperous future for Malaysia and to place our beloved nation at the rightful place on the international stage.

“Insya-Allah (God willing), with our full drive and commitment, Umno will continue to succeed,” he said.

-Bernama