Uphold the principle of ‘wala’ to party leadership — Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday stressed that the principle of loyalty and faithfulness toward the party leadership institution should be upheld for the sake of the future struggle of the sacred party in championing the cause of the Malays and Bumiputera.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister said Umno, which has been helming the government leadership since the country gained independence had proven that the party’s struggle was inclusive to ensure the interest and rights of the other races were not marginalised.

Najib when delivering his presidential policy speech at the 2016 Umno General Assembly, at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday called on all Umno members not to waste their energy entertaining a handful of traitors to the race and nation.

“It is more important for me and the government leadership to carry out the greater ‘ jihad’, to give our 100 per cent efforts to continue to move forward, promote the economic growth and the country’s development to protect the interests of 31 million Malaysians,” he said.

Najib, in blue ‘ Baju Melayu’ also elaborated the principle of ‘wala’, which is associated with loyalty, faithfulness, ‘bai’ah’ (oath

It is more important for me and the government leadership to carry out the greater ‘jihad’, to give our 100 per cent efforts to continue to move forward, promote the economic growth and the country’s development to protect the interests of 31 million Malaysians.

of allegiance) towards legitimate leaders, in which in the context of Umno referred to the president while in the government, it referred to the Prime Minister.

The Umno president, who earlier asserted that he would deliver his speech with maturity also highlighted several events which had caused disunity and the formation of cliques in the party.

Those experienced by Umno, he said required the party and its members to adhere to the principle of wala’ towards the party president.

He cited an example of the success of the country in achieving a positive economic growth via the National Transformation Policy, established through the strong teamwork between the party leadership and the government.

The Prime Minister said as a Malay, a Muslim, a Bumiputera and a Malaysian, he could not imagine the ill effects that might befall the Malays and Bumiputeras if DAP, which has been figthing for extreme liberalism and secularism ruled the country.

Najib said he was concerned about the fate of Bumiputera institutions, Islam’s position as the federal religion, the Institution of Malay Rulers as well as privileges of the Malays and Bumiputeras should DAP rule the country.

He also said that through a discussion with PAS, the Umno-led government had taken a historic move when a motion to amend the Syariah Courts, Criminal Jurisdiction Act 1965, or better known as Act 355 was tabled at the Dewan Rakyat on Nov 24.

“No one should politicise this issue because it is a private bill which will then be taken over by the federal government,” he said.

The Prime Minister also gave an assurance that the bill would not affect the non-Muslims.

Najib also recalled the history of the Malay Muslims that had been crippled and toppled many times due to rivalries and betrayal thus

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Umno president

called on the Malays not to be used by certain parties.

“For the sake of the Malay and ummah unity, forget our quarrels and differences. Let us return to the beginning,” he said.

The Prime Minister said he was confident that the large victory in the 11th Sarawak State Election, as well as the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by- elections would bring a momentum victory to Barisan Nasional in the GE14. At the end of his speech, Najib reminded all the party members to always defend, uphold and continue the struggles of the party.

“If Umno succumbs due to our complacency, it will be a sin that will not be forgiven by our children and grandchildren,” he said. — Bernama