KUALA LUMPUR: Don't forget what Umno has done for you in the last 62 years.

And grassroots leaders should get realistic and stop lying about what is really happening on the ground.

That was the advice Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor gave at the Outstanding Malay Awards ceremony at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.

Forty-one Malays in the fields of education, agriculture, entreprenuership, non-governmental organisations, religion, arts and culture were given recognition for their contribution to the country in conjunction with Umno's 62nd anniversary.

Tengku Adnan said since the general election, some quarters had been calling for the prime minister to take responsibility and step down.
"They fail to realise that the prime minister is advised by the supreme council and we get feedback from branch chairmen and other grassroots leaders."

Tengku Adnan said before the election, the grassroots leaders indicated that all was well and that was the message relayed to the prime minister.

"To me, all of us should take the blame. We were proud, arrogant and hasty."

Tengku Adnan said Umno and Barisan Nasional remained relevant as a coalition representing all Malaysians.

"Umno is relevant, but if you feel that some of the leaders are not suitable, tell us and we will make the necessary changes."

He also took a swipe at Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat, saying they were formed by disgruntled people.

"If their foundation is based on this, how are they going to build the country?"