Umno is open to differing views, says Zahid
The Umno General Assembly, which begins tomorrow, will allow differing views to be aired so that the party remains in touch with the people’s aspirations, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“Differing views should be aired so that our feet will remain planted on the ground,” said the Umno vicepresident who is carrying out the duties of the deputy president.
Speaking at the opening of the National Undergraduates Leadership (Pemanas) Conference 4.0 here, Dr Ahmad Zahid said that being close to the people allowed Umno to ensure the nation remained successful.
About 300 university students attended the conference, which was organised by Umno in conjunction with the party’s assembly.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said views expressed by the younger generation, including university students, should be taken into account as they were at the forefront of society and close to the pulse of the people.
Undergraduates, he said, also had a role to play in nationbuilding.
“It includes helping to correct the misconception about Islam, which is becoming more prevalent,” Dr Ahmad Zahid said.
“If Muslims continue to depend on others to correct the skewed perception, we will always remain behind a glass wall – on the outside looking in.
“At this critical juncture when Malays and Islam are painted in a negative light, do we stay in the dark or come out?”
Dr Ahmad Zahid also advised undergraduates not to be easily taken in by foreign influences that could harm the country.
“Perhaps, there are things that we can borrow to apply in our system but to force 100% of a foreign system to be applied here might not be appropriate.
“The look and feel of the country cannot be moulded by outsiders,” he said.
“We have to paint it ourselves,” Dr Ahmad Zahid added.