KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has sounded the election war drums, telling party stalwarts in his Umno policy speech today that the general election could be imminent and warned that the party must prevail in the tough battle ahead.
In a fiery speech to members to rouse their fighting spirit and mentally prepare for the polls, Najib said the Malays and Muslims, led by Umno, cannot afford to allow political power to slip from their hands.
He said Umno must realise the electoral challenges ahead are “unprecedented” and the “demise” of Umno due to the act of the current leadership will be an unforgivable sin.
“God willing, the battle torch is strong and will lead to a strong win for the Barisan Nasional in the 14th general election due soon,” he said in the 90-minute address that drew a standing ovation.
Najib, keeping a firmer grip of the party he has led since 2009, was in much better spirit after a tumultuous session last year that later led to the sacking of his deputy and the resignation of a party vice-president.
His speech touched every Malay and Malaysian, saying that only the Umno-led BN government could ensure that the rights and interests of the Muslims and other Malaysians are well protected.
The BN government would remain fair and uphold moderation in looking after the interests of all Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion, he said.
The first part of the speech was devoted to the virtues of being a good leader and the need to maintain harmony and uphold loyalty in the party.
In this regard, he launched a scathing attack against Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, calling it an “ultimate betrayal” for his unholy alliance with the DAP, PKR, Parti Amanah Negara, Bersih and even foreign enemies such as George Soros, whom Dr Mahathir once despised as a “moron”.
“This is one form of ultimate betrayal to Umno, the race and the nation,” he said.
Najib, in a speech laced with Quranic verses, said he would choose to be a ”mature” leader and speak frankly in dealing with his vocal critics.
“In other words, we must be above them and not to bring ourselves down to their level,” he said.
In a speech titled “Umno driving national transformation”, Najib he would not want to waste more time and energy in dealing with the small and irresponsible group of people who had betrayed the race and the nation.
In his speech, he also raised the following key points:
- A DAP-led government will not guarantee the rights and interests of Muslims and Bumiputera.
- DAP fights for extreme liberalism and secularism, which means Bumiputera institutions such as UiTM, Mara, Felda, Risda, Felcra and Teraju could be extinct.
- Muslim institutions such as Tabung Haji, Jakim, Jawhar, state Zakat agencies could come under threat.
- History was made on Nov 24 when the Umno-led government, after discussing with “friends” from Pas, introduced in parliament Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s motion for his private member’s Bill to enhance the Shariah courts’ powers.
- Non-Muslim should not be unduly worried. The government is studying the Bill in detail to ensure there is no dualism in sentencing.
- Umno condemns the atrocities against the Rohingya in Myanmar.
Najib also said Umno would remain an inclusive party and would continue to struggle for the Malays and Bumiputera.
Umno should also remain relevant even though it is 70-years-old.
The re-development of the PWTC complex, including the new 70-storey tower, will be a new icon for the spirit of Umno before, now and in the future, he said.
Najib’s speech paved the way for a rousing debate over the next three days. The spotlight is on Najib and Umno to help BN deliver a big win in the next polls.
He seemed to have put the black episode last year behind him. It is now about facing the next electoral battle next year. He needs a big mandate to bury some of his old and new opponents.