All’s well that ends well at general assembly

THE Umno General Assembly is keenly followed. Its deliberations and decisions affect the governance of the nation and the assembly can be instrumental in effecting policy changes.

Seeing that there are economic, social, education, security and other issues plaguing the country, the public expected the general assembly to address and provide solutions to alleviate these issues.

The public was hopeful that the delegates would query the ministers and other office-holders as elected by the members are ethically and morally accountable for the workings of their portfolios.

But this year’s assembly as in previous years deviated from the norm.

Instead of serious rational deliberations that tackled pressing national issues, the assembly became a festive event and occasion for fun, revelry and camaraderie.

This year the focus of the assembly was the winning of the 14th general election, which demanded unity among members and undivided loyalty and submission to the leadership.

To this effect, all other national matters were put on hold.

Pre-assembly statements, announcements and advice, closed-door meetings, door gifts and other ritualistic events primed the delegates into a pliant and receptive mood.

Among these were the suggestions by Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein that the two top posts should remain uncontested.

And the Malacca chief minister advised the delegates against criticising the leaders and only to focus on the general election, and more important to show a force of unity by not raising dissenting issues that question the credibility of governance.

Thus, praises and accolades were heaped on the leaders in addition to pledges of undivided loyalty.

The leaders of the various wings, the speakers and the Supreme Council members extolled the virtues of the leadership and the importance of casting aside personal animosity and acrimony and to submit unequivocally to the directives of the leadership. At times the atmosphere became unreal almost theatrical.

However, the organisers of the Umno General Assembly were successful in creating a therapeutic effect on the delegates through the numerous rituals and merrymaking and for a brief three days lulled them into a world of make-believe.

Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddin Penang