KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth's adherence to the principle of wala' towards the party leadership is not a form of blind loyalty, but allegiance to a leadership that fulfills the aspirations and needs of the people.
Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, during a winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly today said the movement accorded its loyalty to Datuk Seri Najib Razak for always being receptive to the needs of the younger generation and always upholding what was right for the people.
"For those who do not fully understand the principle of wala', please understand that it is not blind loyalty but based on loyalty towards a leadership that has never crossed the line.
"Is our president a person who has crossed the line and gone against the religion?
"Why are the 600,000 Umno Youth members loyal to the president? It is not blind loyalty and there has to be a reason," said Khairy, who then listed the aspirations of the youths that have been fulfilled by the party president and government.
Khairy said that since helming the Youth wing, the leadership has acted upon requests by the youths to amend University and University Colleges Act 1971, to set up transit homes, address the high cost of living and matters affecting the younger generation.
Meanwhile, he said TN50 would be the most important legacy for the Umno president.
Khairy also pledged that Umno Youth would stand solidly behind the party in facing battle in the general election.
"If you want us to be your Tariq Ziad (a medieval Muslim commander who led troops into Spain), we will be your Rock of Gibraltar." he said to thunderous applause.