Following the English translation of the transcript of the policy address by Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the 2016 UMNO General Assembly at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre, today, Thursday Dec 1.
“UMNO THE DRIVER OF NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION”
1. INTRODUCTION
1 to 5. Praise be to Allah (God Almighty).
2. UMNO AND THE PARTY HIERARCHY
Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. This year is the 13th time that I am standing at the podium on the stage in this historic and august hall, five years as the UMNO Deputy President and eight years as the President.
7. I speak not only as the Party President, or the Prime Minister, but more importantly in my personal capacity, as Najib Razak, as a Malay, as a Muslim, as a Bumiputera and as a son of Malaysia.
Before that, ladies and gentlemen,
8. What we have lost in Pagoh, we have gained in Bagan Datoh. Today, we applaud Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Vice-President who is discharging the duties of the Deputy President.
9. That which is no more in Semporna, we have in Sembrong. We have also Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin, a person who is loyal and not arrogant.
10. Ladies and gentlemen, I am confident that the Pagoh and Semporna UMNO divisions, as a whole, will continue to be loyal and stand by solidly with the existing party and government leadership.
3. UMNO AND THE COURTEOUS CULTURE OF THE MALAYS
Ladies and Gentlemen,
11.In fact, over the past several months, faced with various challenges at the party and government level with relentless assaults by the opposition, I was thinking deeply about the approach I should take for my speech at this meaningful gathering.
12.When I met many people in the process of preparing this speech, I received many suggestions, one of which was that I should no longer be a gentleman and gentle ... instead I should be more stern, counter the allegations and insults and strike back hard against the various parties including Dr Mahathir and his minions.
However, brothers and sisters, patience ... patience is a part of faith ...
13.The more that I pondered the suggestions, I felt that it would be better to take the noble path by adhering to the message from the Prophet to his wife Saida-tina Aisyah, to be gentle with your words, even with your enemies.
14. More so with the noble qualities of the Malays, as depicted in the poem of National Laureate Usman Awang and Malay-Riau Laureate Tenas Affendy.
Melayu itu orang yang bijaksana,
Budi bahasanya tidak terkira,
Kurang ajarnya masih beralas dan bersantun,
Kalau berkelahi biarlah cara Melayu,
Kalau menikam pula, pun dengan berpantun,
Walau menyanggah dikuntum senyum.
Kalau merayu dan meminta,
Hendaklah pada yang kasih dan sudi memberi.
Mencontoh biarlah pada yang senonoh,
Berteladan pada yang sepadan.
Adil menjadi hakim,
Amanah dalam bersumpah,
Even so, ...although the Malay character rejects animosity, is loyal and very patient ... he will never concede defeat despite the severe dangers that he faces.
4. UMNO: GRACIOUS PARTY AND LEADERS
Ladies and Gentlemen,
15.So,... if last year, I chose to be gracious....in today’s speech...I will take the stand and attitude of a mature leader.
16.As the saying goes, we must be above them and not to bring ourselves down to their level.
17.What is important, I will say in all honesty, is that every issue faced by the leadership and the party, must be jointly understood and discussed.
18.All problems can be resolved.
19.All that we have done ... for the sake of the Malays, Muslims, Bumiputeras and UMNO’s continuity in building a civilisation, has succeeded and has been acknowledged not just in this world but also in the next, God willing.
20. Our Prohphet Muhammad was chased, ridiculed, and had stones thrown at him by the people of Thoif, and he suffered injuries because of them.
21.So much so that the Angel Gabriel who looked after the mountains, became angry and asked the Prophet’s permission to bring disaster to Thoif and its people for all that they had done to the Prophet.
22.However, so gracious was he, the Prophet chose to be patient and was more concerned about spreading the message of good and developing the people rather than revenge.
23.In the present context, with humility, as a servant of Allah and an ordinary person, who has feelings, I am aware that there is a small number of people who insult me personally...my children, wife and family...and what is sadder still, they condemn our beloved party, UMNO...and the Government in general.
24.In my opinion, I do not need to waste time or energy entertaining these irresponsible traitors to the people and nation.
25.Here we have to understand, the accusations and lies that have been created, and hurled against me and my leadership, as well as the present Government, the political issues, GST, rationalisation of the subsidies, 1MDB and the cost of living...most of it have been answered clearly and we are trying to resolve.
26.What is more important to me and the Government leadership is to perform a bigger jihad, we choose to focus 100 per cent of our efforts on moving forward, improving the national economy and development, for the sake of the 31 million people in Malaysia.
5. UMNO: FIDELITY (WALA) AND LOYALTY
Ladies and Gentlemen,
27.Praise be to Allah, with his permission, the Government led by UMNO and its component parties have had success after success and recorded an outstanding performance.
28.For instance, through the National Transformation Policy, despite facing the global economic gloom, Praise be to God ... the GDP in the third quarter of the 2016 ... Malaysia continued to record a GDP growth of 4.3 per cent and we are confident that our target of 4 to 4.5 per cent in 2017 will be achieved, God willing.
29.At the core of it, all these successes were due to a culture of a strong team spirit among the party leadership and in the Government.
30.Here, I want to record my appreciation to YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who, in his speech, expressed his loyalty to me and gave good advice to the Wanita, Youth and Puteri, two nights ago.
Give him a round of applause.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
31.On the principle of wala’, to my understanding, it means love...loyalty,...which must be given to a legitimate leader...or in the context of UMNO,... to its President,... while in the context of the Government...to the Prime Minister.
32.This means that, as the Ulama said...the wala’ is not given just to the body, organisation or individual....but true wala’ is given to the institution of the president or prime minister, which is held by a person.
33.Looking back at UMNO’s journey over seven decades, the party is often lured towards break-ups and camps.
34.However, thanks to Allah, this blessed party has been saved by Him and has been able to endure to this day because of the principles and practices of wala’ that UMNO has.
This is a great party which has always upheld the traditions and culture of the East as well as the religion in its support of the President or Prime Minister.
For instance:
35.In the episode of the clash between Team A and Team B, during the UMNO elections for the President in 1987. As I said in the General Assembly last year, who was loyal to Dr Mahathir?.. If not us...the members of UMNO.
36.At that time, Tengku Razaleigh was hurt by me, by my decision and that of my team to side with Dr Mahathir. What I did was based on the principle of wala’ and loyalty to the party president...although personally, I was very close to Tengku Razaleigh and, till today, respect him.
37.The next chapter is the dark tragedy when the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Feb 4, 1988, declared UMNO as an illegal organisation.
38.Who, at that critical time, stood strongly behind Dr Mahathir as the president, until the new UMNO was accepted?
39.I personally went through those dark days...I was asked by the President to mobilise the Youth machinery to get members for UMNO at all levels.
40.With God’s blessings, I still remember among those who helped us then, among them those who have passed away...including the late Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis, Datuk Hashim Safin and Datuk Sulaiman Taha.
Those who are still with us include Dato’ Zahid Hamidi, Dato’ Nazri Aziz - Padang Rengas and Dato’ Md Isa Ismail - Bukit Gantang, who helped draw up the UMNO federal and state leadership line-up within a short period of time.
41.The next episode was when the country faced the Asian financial crisis in 1997-1998. Which party and who remained loyal in supporting the decisions made by the UMNO President. The answer is, none other than us...we are the loyal UMNO members.
42.However, sad to say, I personally am very disappointed, and so are you ...over what has happened now.
43.Dr Mahathir, who was a respected statesman, has now become a turncoat and gone against a party he has helmed for decades.
44.It would not be far-fetched to say that he whom we once revered is now involved in despicable acts, working with the DAP, the illegal BERSIH rallies, Parti Amanah Negara, PKR and, worse, with foreign enemies like Soros whom he once hated and asked us to hate as a currency scoundrel.
45.The truth is that he is the epitome of betrayal to UMNO, the race and the nation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
46. One must remember,...what happened during the era of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The wala’ and loyalty that I, Najib Razak, gave as the party deputy president, together with the vice-presidents, Wanita chief, Youth chief and Puteri chief and also majority of the leaders and all UMNO members, to Pak Lah,...not only to the person, but the institution that he upheld and held as UMNO President and the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
47. Also,...the wala’ and loyalty given to the institution that I am holding is because of the responsibility and trust by party members and Malaysians.
48. Certainly, the wala’ and loyalty must also be accepted by anyone who will take over as the President and Prime Minister.
49. In conclusion,... the wala’ and loyalty in the Malay world and culture as well as our religion are the team spirit in a strong and cohesive line which will not be separated from the leaders and chiefs.
6. UMNO AND THE PEOPLE’S STRUGGLE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
50. On the history of the formation of Malaya and Malaysia, around the 40s and early 50s, our country only comprised settlements, villages, small buildings, which were not organised.
51. The Malays, especially, were not guided, had no clear direction, were marginalised, and they were in the dark in terms of their struggle.
52. Then, at a critical and historic juncture, with the will of Allah, there came a resurgence, the All-Malaya Malay Congress, on March 1, 1946, which brought together as a union 41 groups of Malays to oppose the Malayan Union.
53. Then, as fated, on May 11, 1946, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Bersatu or PEKEMBAR was formed.
54. This led to the official formation of an organisation, namely UMNO. In fact, the formation of this sacred party more than 70 years ago became a focal point in history and the beginning of a mass movement for the Malays, by making UMNO as their centre,...platform,....and vehicle,... as the driver of progress and development and builder of a nation state in a union with the consent of the Malay Rulers.
55. Ladies and gentlemen, I take this opportunity, on behalf of the UMNO which continues to glorify the institution of the Malay Rulers, to express the highest gratitude to the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong who will complete his term on Dec 12. At the same time, UMNO congratulates Sultan Muhammad V, who was elected by the Conference of Rulers as the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong, effective Dec 13, 2016.
7. UMNO THE DRIVER OF MASS TRANSFORMATION
Ladies and Gentlemen,
56. Other people can say anything about UMNO, but only Allah, the most just, will be the judge in the hereafter, of how this blessed party championed the interests of the Malays and Bumiputeras.
57. As all of you know,...every year, the UMNO General Assembly will be the stage to discuss and debate various resolutions for the continuation of the agenda of a party.
58. I know,...many can feel the heat of the assembly this time, that is to accept the pledges in preparation to fight in the election battlefield soon.
59. Even so, by learning from history and human civilisation, according to the intellectuals and strategy experts,...any preparation for battle need not necessarily come with the sharpening of weapons to attack the opponents.
60. Victory or defeat and the strength of a command does not rest solely on the number of troops or weapons.
61. In fact, the word ‘quwwah’, in surah Al-Anfal verse 60, refers to a more important preparation than the physical preparation, namely preparing a strong front, being united in a cohesive bond, arming oneself with war strategies and mental strength, because that is the real strength to unite the ummah.
62. That is the secret and amulet for us to use before the battle. Always remember that even though we are right, without a structured strategy or if we are disunited, we will be defeated by the opponents.
63. Although they are weak in position and numbers, they are cohesive and coordinated in their plans and action.
64. Therefore, what must we do? The answer,...proving to the people our credibility and ability to spur the pace of the country, sowing discretion and deeds to the people across the racial and religion borders to develop Malaysia.
65. UMNO, which has been leading the government since independence, has been not just an organisation for the Malays and Bumiputeras, but UMNO’s struggle has proven to be inclusive to ensure the interests and rights of other races so that none will be marginalised.
...indeed, UMNO has fulfilled far more than its duty for its members, and has gone beyond in justifying its purpose to the rakyat and the country, and no one will be left behind... namely,... not just fulfilling, but has passed the objectives and philosophy of its founding, as a massive mass movement that is UMNO - The Driver of National Transformation, which is the theme of this speech.
8. UMNO APPRECIATES MEMBERS’ DEEDS AND SERVICES
Ladies and Gentlemen,
66. Praise be to God, back to the current reality,... Today, the number of UMNO members as reported by the party secretary-general just now has already reached more than 3 million nationwide.
67. I’m pleased to announce that the UMNO branch with the most number of members is from Kampung Batu Putih Darat, with a total of 2,371 members, in the Libaran Division of Sabah. With us in this hall are some of the representatives from the branch.
Let us give them UMNO’s enthusiastic applause!
68. The UMNO Division with the most number of members is the Silam Division, which has a total membership of 51,902. Where are the leaders and representatives of Silam Division? I want to see your faces. A round of applause for them!
69. And at the state level, with a total of 25 divisions, the highest membership is Sabah UMNO with 561,617 people.
Congratulations and a round of applause to YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj Aman as the chief minister and state liaison committee chairman.
70. Indeed,...upon the oath of the tragedy in Lahad Datu, even if life leaves the body, not an inch of land in Sabah will we give up.
71. Moreover, ladies and gentlemen, I am proud of the number of the new memberships, namely from the Kuala Nerus UMNO Division in Terengganu Darul Iman with 2,876 members.
A round of applause to the Kuala Nerus UMNO Division!
72. Whereas, for the category of states, the highest membership was recorded by Terengganu Darul Iman, with a total of 9,787 members as of October 2016. Like what the Terengganu people will say,...
’Mane’ oghang Ghanu kite? Sile’ beghi tepukang ... beghi tepukang kepada Menteri Besar YAB Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman dan UMNO Negeri Terengganu (Where are Terengganu people? Please give a round of applause,...give a round of applause to Menteri Besar YAB Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman and Terengganu UMNO).
73. Speaking about UMNO membership, I want the leadership at every level to cooperate with the Membership and Electoral Rolls Bureau, especially among UMNO members who have yet to register.
74. In this regard, I wish to express my happiness for the encouraging work of enrolment by the bureau with the assistance of the party machinery.
Ladies and Gentlemen, my comrades-in-arms,
75. Above all, it has been charted on the canvas of the formation of the Malaysian nation state, which will not be erased forever, the deeds, services and contributions like an ocean with no edge, by the fathers of UMNO, together with friends from other component parties.
76. Last August, I had the opportunity to visit Tan Sri Hussain Ahmad, whom I call brother Hussain, who is ailing at home. He is a party veteran, former UMNO information chief and former Kelantan deputy menteri besar in the early 80s. He said,
“I want to remind party members to appreciate the struggle, because if we appreciate the struggle of UMNO, we will thank and love our party, in any circumstances, we will not betray the party. That is the pure and true struggle.”
77. In fact, it would be beautifully engraved in the history of the party that Wanita UMNO, also Wanita veterans, have been willing to sacrifice anything, even sacrifising their gold bracelets and necklaces for the sake of funding the group seeking independence.
78. Recalling the history of UMNO’s glorious struggle, of course, many are aware of the stories of sacrifices of UMNO’s women leaders.
79. That reminds me of the advice of the late Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, who reminded us all, regardless of differences that may arise, do not forget to make the party struggle and constitution as a guide. God willing,...God willing, we will succeed.
9. WANITA UMNO THE MOTHER OF THE NATION’S STRUGGLE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
80. As president, I want to congratulate Tan Sri Shahrizat, who leads a total of 1,366,457 women, for her speech at the General Assembly,...
...which as usual was full of fire, especially, when talking about the election machinery, known as ‘Jalinan Rakyat’ or JR among them, for the preparation for the 14th General Election.
For that let us give a round of applause to congratulate the Wanita UMNO chief for the encouraging speech.
81. This Tan Sri Ijat,...she is an enthusiastic person in voicing out the expectations and interests of Wanita as the backbone of the party so that we will show appreciation and respect for the struggle of women.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
82. Speaking of a sign of respect and acknowledgment towards Wanita, I feel so sad and touched to hear the story of the unsung heroine of Wanita UMNO, who had sacrificed a great deal for the sake of the party.
83. The story is of Puan Saridah binti Ibrahim, UMNO member number 01441342, Bandar Baru Selayang Wanita UMNO Branch chief, and also Selayang Wanita UMNO Division Information chief.
84. She was involved in a road accident while returning from campaigning for Barisan Nasional during the Kajang by-election in 2014.
85. Surely, I am moved and touched, to see the condition of Puan Saridah now ...who is full of spirit, even in ailing condition, she is willing to be with us.
86. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Puan Saridah.
87. This is the true example of the spirit of Tun Fatimah, a heroine during the glorious era of the Melaka Sultanate that should be ignited in our hearts, not just Wanita, but all UMNO members.
88. In this regard, I as the president representing all of the leaders and members,...from my noble heart, invite,...all in the hall or watching the screens out there, whether UMNO member or not, let us all stand up,...
If we are ready,...let us all... with enthusiasm, give a big round of applause as a sign of appreciation and gratitude,... especially to Wanita UMNO, who are not only the backbone of the party, the pivot of enthusiasm, in fact, they are the mothers of the blessed party’s struggle.
89. Calm down ladies and gentlemen, calm down,... please be seated,...
Ladies and Gentlemen,
90. Therefore, with a great pleasure, to appreciate the services of Jalinan Rakyat machinery, lead by Wanita, I as president, officially announce:
To study a form of protection scheme for the 223,000 Jalinan Rakyat personnel.
10. UMNO: TRUSTWORTHY LEADERS
Ladies and Gentlemen,
91. Returning to the current reality, sadly, at a moment when Malaysia fast marching towards success, enemies from within and outside are relentlessly assaulting us in from all sides, just to see our country disintegrate.
92. Hence, in this assembly, I decide to continue being big-hearted, advising and admonishing in a good way rather than slamming the bodies personally, but criticising their actions, because most of them are former leaders, ministers even up to the level of a statesman who had taken the pledge of office and secrecy in the name of God .. but now ... have become strangers even betraying this struggle, ...
In this case, I ask the scholars, after pronouncing the oath in the name of God and then violating that oath ... what is the penalty and its effect.
The answer.. it is a great sin, ... and the signs of of a person’s hypocrisy. It is no wonder these things happen, because the person himself used to mention, the Malays Forget Easily.
93. Then, I want to ask you this now, ... who exactly are the Malays who forget easily? ... Certainly not us, because true UMNO Malays are Malays who are loyal and grateful, and do not betray the party!
11. UMNO THE PILLAR OF ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
94. To the UMNO and Barisan Nasional leadership which supports economic prosperity, the outcome of my visit to Germany recently netted an investment worth 1 billion Euros, or nearly RM5 billion, through Osram.
95. After that, from the visit to China, we made history when we successfully entered into an investment agreement worth almost RM144 billion which, God willing, will give good returns to the country.
96. This is all thanks to whom? If it was not the Government’s initiative which is led by UMNO.
97. However, there are also some who do not like anything we have done. If there is no investment, they say we failed. When we bring in investment, they say we we pawned the country.
98.In addition, the accusation that Malaysia will go bankrupt is exremely baseless and mere lies.
99.Because, some members of the opposition which deliberately chose not to understand the position of a country regarded as bankrupt, whilst... the rating conducted, not just by anybody,... for example not by the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council or DAP, or PKR, or Mat Sabu,... but the rating of the national success was authenticated by recognised international bodies and agencies which are recognised worldwide for their authority.
100. As how I had answered the questions of journalists after the APEC meeting in Peru recently, Malaysia is in Group A according to the latest rating, and that is the reality.
101.It is clear here..the term bankruptcy, is far-fetched, in fact it is not in Malaysia’s economic dictionary. Praise be to God....
102.In addition, the UMNO leadership and the government itself had been subjected to all kinds of accusations by parties full of rancour and grudge, instigating the people to topple the government.
103.They say the government is cruel, the general election is not transparent and the people are oppressed.
104.Referring to the issue of cruelty, I have consulted the scholars and ulama on what constitutes cruelty.
105. According to the words of the Prophet Muhammad through the understanding of his Hadith, a leader is regarded as cruel when he urges the people to worship other than Allah and commits sin and falsehood.
106. That is why scholars concluded that any unfounded imputation such as the accusation that a leader is cruel is not a trivial matter, on the other hand is is viewed seriously by religion and is forbidden.
107. On the other hand, will a tyrannical government be so concerned about the welfare of the people, so much so that we are able to provide one-stop service centres or UTCs which operate 7 days a week, from 8am to 10pm?
108. I want to ask (a question), where is there any country in the world whose government provides a service such as this? Where??? Except the government led by UMNO and the Barisan Nasional.
109. In fact, the treatment of patients is almost free at government hospitals with the allocation in the 2017 Budget reaching RM25 billion.
110. As for education, starting from pre-school to primary to secondary, it is almost free and 90 per cent of the cost of study at public universities is borne by the government, incurring an overall expenditure of more than RM56 billion.
12. UMNO YOUTH THE HOPE OF THE NATION
Ladies and Gentlemen,
111. In this regard, I wish to record my utmost thanks, to our children, the youths, who are led by Khairy Jamaluddin, who in his speech showed opposition at the bad antics of Bersih.
112.Meaning, Khairy Jamaluddin or popularly called KJ, rise and call upon your 600,000 friends nationwide, whether in the assembly or outside, to rise. The youths are the future of UMNO, in Arabic JIL UMNO, or a generation to inherit the party and national leadership.
A hearty applause to KJ and all the young hopes of the nation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
113. Furthermore, when discussing about the young people as offspring of hope for the future... under the National Transformation Policy, I have sparked a National Transformation movement or TN50 to form a nation state which is really competent and with thinking par excellence.
114. This is the movement to produce the best future generations of people possible. My vision is to see a future generation of Malaysia, which seeks goodness and rejects evil, namely, a generation which is mentioned as Khayra Ummah in the Quran.
115. For the success of this TN50 effort, UMNO as the Driver of Transformation is deploying a mass movement, for the heirs of the future.
116. For this, I laud our youths, who are also here with us today, youths who are the hope of the race, the pillars of the nation, among them are members of the Youth Parliament, Barisan Nasional Youth Volunteers, Malaysian Volunteers Organisation, Parliament Student Interns (MANTAP), National Students Conference or PEMANAS, Overseas UMNO Clubs, Premier Fellows and Young Missionary Fellows and Pro-Aspiration Young Leadership.
This is the TN50 generation or Khayra Ummah which I meant, let us put our hands together for the inheritors of our nation and race.
117. To Khairy, as Minister entrusted with youths, this is the party mandate which we give you as youth chief and your team ... so act akin to Young War Commander Tariq bin Ziad to continue waving the standard of UMNO’s struggle for race and religion!!!!
13. PUTERI UMNO THE FLOWER OF THE RACE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
118. Next, Puteri UMNO chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati binti Samsudin, together with her 388,443 members nationwide, who continue to work for the party and have shown undivided loyalty to the party leadership over the years.
119. Touching on the loyalty of Puteri UMNO, I was told by YB Mas Ermieyati, about Semporna UMNO Division Puteri chief Puan Zakiah Kalipunya, when facing the division’s crisis and episode, stayed loyal and did not leave UMNO.
120. Also, Pagoh UMNO Division Puteri chief Puan Rohaiza binti Ahmad and her team.
121. This is the example of true loyalty which we hope for. Give a hearty applause to the Semporna and Pagoh UMNO Division Puteri movements and all Puteri UMNO Malaysia.
14.UMNO-LED VS DAP-LED GOVERNMENT
122. Another matter, which I no longer need hide, for all of us to be cautious is whether to retain the UMNO-led government or to vote in a DAP-led government.
123. That is, the Malays and Bumiputera and all Malaysians are facing one of the most critical crossroads in the political annals of the country, where, in the 14th General Election, the voters will determine at the ballot box who should lead the government of this country.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
124. The question of choice of leadership (of the nation) is not a matter that can be taken lightly, as I fear, perhaps there are still Malays and Bumiputeras who are still complacent about it.
125. In the assessment of the future destiny ... if the country falls into the hands of DAP which is championing extreme liberalism and secularism, surely, the rights and privileges championed and defended by UMNO all this while, including bumiputra institutions such MARA, FELDA, RISDA, FELCRA and TERAJU, will become extinct and disappear.
126. Similarly, institutions of higher learning and the pride of the Malays and bumiputra for 60 years, ie, UiTM, will no longer be able to maintain the philosophy of their inception.
127. Therefore, only if ... the Malays and bumiputra could explore what is expressed and implied in my speech this time... on the bad consequence and nightmare which will impact their lives and fate, I believe, the Malays and Bumiputera would feel fear and worry, and will cling firmly to UMNO, as the only party that can champion the future of their offspring and descendants.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
128. Furthermore, the Government led by UMNO and Barisan Nasional is very concerned over the complaints to ease the cost of living.
129. For example, special assistance is provided to small farmers amounting to RM200 each for three months during the monsoon season, encompassing 440,000 smallholders and rubber tappers.
130. Last but not least, almost 60,000 fishermen were given a special allowance of RM200 to RM300 each a month throughout the year. For rice farmers, the government provided RM1.3 billion to subsidise the price of rice, seeds and fertiliser.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
131.These are among the efforts we have made for the people. The people can be the judge and choose,..... DAP or UMNO...? DAP or UMNO...?
132.Hopefully the people will continue to choose us.
133.In addition, for the first time ever, the Government has provided RM30 million for tahfiz education, through the National Tahfiz Education Policy.
134.The government is also concerned about the welfare of imams, so their monthly allowance has been increased to RM850, for the 15 million Imams in the country. The government has also given a one-off special aid to the bilals and siaks.
135.In the case of KAFA teachers, their monthly allowance has been increased to RM900, for the almost 33 thousand teachers.
136.One other thing, ladies and gentlemen ....won’t we as Muslims feel upset, hurt and angry, as though we have been poisoned, when the teachings of Islam and its practices are ridiculed, if the DAP rules.
137.In fact, worse than that, if we look at the DAP’s Constitution, there is no mention of Islam as the religion of the country, no mention about upholding the institution of the Malay Rulers and not even one sentence about efforts to protect the rights and special rights of the Malays and Bumiputera.
138.As such, the institutions connected to Malay Muslims like the Pilgrims’ Fund, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), the Department of Awqaf, Zakat and Haji (JAWHAR), the state Zakat Boards will be belittled and challenged.
139.As such, ladies and gentlemen, we will never allow all this to happen. Like our ancestors declared, do so over my dead body and that of all Malays, we will rise and defend to the end.
140.These are the promises kept by the Government with UMNO as the backbone of Barisan Nasional and proof of its service to the people, consistently and moderately, which have been appreciated by all parties, regardless of race or religion.
141.In connection to this, to our friends and fellow Malaysians who are not Muslims, from Perlis to Sabah and Sarawak, do not worry, for as long as the Malaysian Government is led by the UMNO leadership, we will continue to be fair.
142.As Allah said in the Quran, based on the many, many holy phrases, leaders must be fair to all, regardless of religious background or belief.
143.In addition, the Constitution guarantees the rights and interests of non-Muslims, which will be preserved by the Government backed by UMNO forever.....
Ladies and Gentlemen,
15. UMNO AND ACT 355
144.The government backed by UMNO made a historic decision on Nov 24, 2016, after consultations with our friends from PAS, that Act 355, related to the Syariah Court, Criminal Jurisdiction 1965, be read.
145.I ask that no one politicise this issue because it is a private bill which will later be taken over by the Federal Government.
146.To those who are non-Muslims, do not worry, because they will not be bound by it, and the Government is looking at it so that there is no double sentencing.
16. UMNO AND THE UNITY OF THE UMMAH
Ladies and Gentlemen,
147. Ponder...what has happened and been experienced by brothers of our faith throughout the world. Before it is too late...do we want to suffer the same fate as Muslims in Palestine, Syria and southern Philippines.
148.UMNO offers the deepest sympathy, and strongly condemns all the atrocities, cruelty and oppression committed on our Muslim brothers, the Rohingyas in Myanmar. In this connection, the Government led by UMNO will help in any way so that the responsible parties stop this atrocities.
149.History has taught us that Malay Muslims and the ummah have be crippled and toppled many times because of rivalries and betrayal. So, let us not be used by certain parties, for fear we will lose all.
150.Enough of that. I urge that we all unite. For the sake Malay and ummah unity, forget our quarrels and differences. Let us return to the beginning.
151.In all honesty, the unity of the ummah is very close to my heart. If we can unie with the real meaning of ummah unity, for the sake of global interests, why don’t we begin now in our own country.
152.This is the height of the success of our struggles and ummah unity.
153.Come, let us heal our wounds and do not make it worse.
154.As the saying goes,
Air dalam bertambah dalam,
Hujan dahulu belum teduh,
Hati dendam jangan didendam,
Dendam yang dulu mesti disembuh.
155.In this connection, for the sake of unity of the ummah, we thank our friends from PAS, for their political maturity and remaining in the Dewan Rakyat to listen to the tabling of Budget 2017 till the end, and not taking part in the street demonstrations organised by BERSIH.
156.This is the time. This is the moment which has been long awaited, unity of the ummah. Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!
Ladies and Gentlemen
17. SUMMARY
157.So, let us pray... BismillahirRahmanirRahim,... Ya Allah save us and bless this race, this party, and this beloved nation.
158.Dear God, because this is where we were born, we live, and within these borders we will be buried one day.
159.As such, dear God, if you do not send help, if you do not guide us, to whom else can we depend for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
160.Dear God, do not let this nation, the people, fall into the hands of the traitors.
Most Powerful and Most Gracious, keep safe the Malay Race, UMNO and all the people and bring joy to this land.
161.Dear God the Great, we swear to fight to the end, to the last drop of blood. Amin Allahumma Amin!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
162.As such, the Barisan Nasional government, with the blessings of Allah, is confident that the large victory in the 11th Sarawak State Election, led by Sarawak’s leader YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Adenan bin Satem, has graced the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections.
Now, with Allah’s will, the winds will bring a big victory to the Barisan Nasional Government in the 14th General Elections, God willing.
163.I also performed the groundbreaking of the new Kuala Lumur Putra World Trade Centre Complex, which is 70 storeys high, which will become a landmark, as well as a symbol of the spirit of the everlasting UMNO struggle.
164.So, my people, do not be lulled even for a moment that we are facing a challenge like never before.
165.If UMNO succumbs due to our complacency, it will be a sin that will not be forgiven by our children and grandchildren.
166.What will then happen to our race? When all is destroyed...when UMNO is no more, and has become useless.
When the Malays no longer have a place to fall back on...they will fall flat...be despised... become destitutes....beggars...in their own land.
167.At that time, UMNO will be torn and wounded, its spirit crushed.
How sad this would be...the end of the true Malay.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
168.So at the end of this summary, I as President, call on all... do not go back even a step...do not turn back ….wielding the sword in one hand and the keris in the other, and armed with the spirit of immortality ….for God has promised that for every effort, there will be a reward.
If not today, tomorrow or the day after, the sun will still rise and shine.
Let us...without fear and doubt.........
Rise, ready to fight to the end when the signal is sounded.
Long Live UMNO!
Long Live Barisan!
Long Live Malaysia
Thank you.
--Bernama