KUALA LUMPUR: Some say it with a flair, others punctuate it with their fists in the air. The word “solidarity” however, was loud and clear.
In his policy speech, Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak gave strong emphasis to the word, stretching it by saying “so-li-da-ri-ti” each time he mentioned it.
His message was clear and in agreeing to this when debating the speech, Puteri Umno Tawau representative Nazliah Ali said a common point was needed to be identified for all to come together.
“Each time we gather in this hall we speak about unity. But once we go back to our states, it’s hard to feel that (very) spirit we have in this building,” said the Puteri vice-treasurer.
“The party needs to move on in unison for our survival in this present era of politics,” said Nazliah from her podium debut after attending the assembly the last 13 years.
After winning over 10-minutes extra time from permanent chairman, Tan Sri Badruddin Amiruldin, Nazliah also presented her views on the need for young women leaders to be given more opportunities to shine.
In debating the president’s policy speech Kluang division representative, Datuk Khairul Anwar Rahmat, said the true path of the party should be guided by solidarity among its members.
“The Malays want courageous leaders. We must come as one to defend Islam, our race and the country,” said Khairul.
“Umno doesn’t belong to one person. No party leader can take away what belongs to all Malays. Party members are here for the struggle, not fame, position or fortune.”
Padang Besar Umno representative Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin said to dominate in the next election, the party needed to come together.
“The Malays are counting on us to be one, we cannot be at loggerheads. People will question us if we are not together,” Zahidi said.
Meanwhile, Subang division representative Datuk Zein Isma Ismail said the top leadership needed to put their trust on the state committees.
“In the last election the wrong candidates were selected and
this resulted in us losing badly
to the opposition.”
“Internal squabbles led to this and this is where solidarity needs to be the key agenda.”
Bukit Bintang Umno chief Datuk Zainal Abidin Mohd Rafique, who went against the tide during the debate, struck the right chord with the floor when he spoke about housing and economic opportunities among the Malays.
“More than 70 per cent of those in the lower-income group in the urban area are Malay and they are struggling to pay the rentals of their houses in these areas, let alone buy one.
“Umno has to understand that when the needs of the people are not met and they feel left out from the country’s development, they will translate their anger and resentment to us by voting opposition.
“It’s time to fulfil our promises to the people, let’s start with ensuring that we have one million Perumahan 1Malaysia houses before the 14th general election.”