‘MAINTAIN INCLUSIVENESS, MODERATION’

Muslim, Malay leadership must ensure non-Muslims and non-Malays are included in Umno’s struggle, says Hishammuddin

UMNO members must maintain the party’s struggles along an inclusive and moderate path, as it gears up for what has been dubbed the “mother of all elections” next year.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said it was imperative for the party to continue applying the concept of wasatiyyah, or moderation, in undertaking its mission.

“What is important is that the Muslim and Malay leadership is able to ensure that the non-Muslims and the non-Malays are included in our (Umno’s) struggle,” he said during an interview at the Ministry of Defence on Thursday.

Hishammuddin, who is also defence minister, was responding to a question on whether Umno would focus solely on securing the Malay vote in the upcoming 14th General Election, which must be held by next August.

He added that the concept of wasatiyyah had long been practised by Barisan Nasional as part of its powersharing principle.

“This is the beauty of BN and we have to make sure no parties out there sabotage it and hijack this agenda. As the general election draws closer, there will be efforts by certain people with personal agendas to incite hate and create division.”

He said history showed that certain irresponsible quarters would hurl baseless accusations related to race and religion to further their political agendas.

“But I would like to remind the people that these accusations are ‘seasonal’ as they were never heard of before until recently. The people who make these accusations are not united, but Umno and BN have been consistent from the start and our struggles have never revolved around one individual leader.”

Hishammuddin also made it clear that Umno would maintain its close working relationship with its partners in BN to ensure the country’s peace and progress.

He denied claims that MCA, MIC and Gerakan had become irrelevant following poor results in the last two general elections in 2013 and 2008.

“This is seasonal and is a sign of the times,” said Hishammuddin

“There were times when Umno was weak and the BN component parties stood by us.

“There were times when the Malays were totally split and the nonMalays were solidly behind BN.

“This is a period we are going through and it’s a question of resolve,” said Hishammuddin, who is also minister with special functions in the Prime Minister’s Department.

BN is seeking a renewed mandate from the people after its five-year term expires on June 24 next year.

The polls must be held within 60 days after Parliament is dissolved.

But I would like to remind the people that these accusations are ‘seasonal’ as they were never heard of before until recently. The people who make these accusations are not united, but Umno and BN have been consistent from the start. DATUK SERI HISHAMMUDDIN HUSSEIN

Umno vice-president