‘4 FACTORS ENSURE OUR RELEVANCE’
Speech shows that Najib is consistent in what he wants from party members, says Hisham
THE four factors that made Umno the most successful political party in the world, laid out by Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak during the party’s 71st anniversary celebration, here last night, also served as a guideline for members to ensure the party stays relevant.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said he was confident that the factors would continue to be translated into action.
“I had embraced the four factors from the start in our retreats (for the general election). From what the president said in his speech, it shows that Najib is consistent in what he wants from party members.
“It is a guideline from the president, and I am confident that it would be translated into a workflow that is slightly different from the past, but suitable for the current political landscape,” he said after attending the Umno 71st anniversary celebration at Bukit Jalil National Stadium here.
Last night, Najib said Umno had been the most successful party in the world because of four factors: it had never deviated from the party’s struggle; prioritised the people’s interests; remained relevant according to time; and, due to its visions that were translated into actions.
Hishammuddin, who is also defence minister, said the turnout last night showed solid support from the grassroots.
He said it was now the time to translate that spirit into action and garner support from the people, as the rakyat were the ones who would determine whether Umno won the next election.
Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the reason why Umno had stood victorious for 71 years was because it had always put the rakyat as its priority.
She said the message delivered by Najib in his address proved that the people are Umno’s priority.
“He (Najib) emphasised that one of the reasons why we (Umno) are around is because our priority has always been the rakyat. You can hear in his speech that it’s all about the rakyat, rakyat and rakyat, and that’s the reason why we’ve been around for 71 years, and we should not forget that,” she said.
Shahrizat said Najib’s speech was a reminder for Umno leaders and members to work hard in serving the people.
Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said as the prime minister and party president, Najib had sent a direct message to party leaders and members on facing the next general election.
“It was an energising speech and the prayer that he (Najib) recited touched my heart.
“The president’s message for us to work harder to ensure BN’s victory ahead of the 14th General Election must be accepted with full responsibility.
“Puteri Umno, too, will accept the challenge by continuing to stay loyal to the party to ensure BN’s victory.”