‘MOTIONS BENEFIT MANY’
Several policies came from party’s assemblies, says VP
KUALA LUMPUR
MOTIONS proposed at Umno general assemblies throughout the years have transformed government policies, improving the quality of life of the people.
In his winding-up speech at the 71st Umno General Assembly, vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein cited several policies that originated from the party’s annual assemblies. These included:
THE abolishment of toll collection in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam, that was motioned by Shah Alam Umno delegates in 2012;
THE postponement of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation loan repayment was motioned by Selayang Umno delegates;
THE 1Azam Programme aimed at eradicating poverty through job opportunities was mooted by Wanita Umno;
THE transit house programme for newly-married, low-income couples under 30 was motioned by Umno Youth; and,
THE affordable housing scheme was raised by Puteri Umno.
Hishammuddin said the motions were adopted as the government’s agenda and executed under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s leadership.
“We want the people to witness the value and definition of our leadership, which, at all times, listens to the voices of their sentiments.
“Some might view the motions as insignificant, but such motions have greatly affected the process of formulating national policies.”
However, the opposition’s pledges have been largely panned by various parties, especially in Selangor, concerning education and abolishing of toll collection.
Hishammuddin reminded the delegates of the opposition’s apparent worsening insolence towards the royal institution.
“They (the opposition) drag the people into disrespecting the rulers, who have become the symbol of constitutional monarchy democracy in this country.
“They (the opposition) reject the principles of royalty as enshrined in the Rukun Negara.
“If His Highness (the rulers) had shed tears when Umno went against the Malayan Union in 1946, we, the Umno members here, once again pledge to continue defending the country’s royal institution.”
Hishammuddin, who is defence minister, paid tribute to the armed forces and thanked them for upholding security and peace.
He said as at 12pm yesterday, a number of soldiers had been deployed to render humanitarian aid in flood-hit Kota Setar in Kedah, Raub in Pahang, and Kemaman in Terengganu.
He said despite unceasing endeavours by the armed forces, certain quarters had attempted to deny their efforts due to a political agenda during the Penang floods.
“The fact is that our men (the army) have been on the ground to aid the victims way before (DAP secretary-general and Penang chief minister) Lim Guan Eng’s video was circulated. Such are the theatrics shown by the opposition, to an extent that even security matters have been turned into a game or are poked fun at.
“The incident in Lahad Datu is described as a ‘play’, despite the deaths of some of our men. Military assets and submarines have been ridiculed. The rights of armed forces’ members as voters were questioned.
“But, when there is a disaster and disorder, they will inevitably turn to the armed forces.”