Praise be to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). First of all, on this morning of Dec 7, let us all pray for this assembly to be showered with the blessings of God.
In that regard, for the 68th time, we are excited to see the Putra World Trade Centre filled with people, both Umno members and guests, in an unprecedented, lively and exciting atmosphere that makes us stand tall.
The spirit of the United Malays National Organisation, or Umno, for as long as we live, will keep on glowing and burning like the eternal flame.
Long Live Umno! Long Live Umno!
Ladies and gentlemen.
I extend a warm welcome to the 2,718 delegates from the 191 Umno divisions throughout the country, from Padang Besar, Perlis, at the border with Siam (Thailand), right up to the southernmost tip of mainland Asia in Tanjung Piai, Johor, and to Simpang Mengayau at the tip of Borneo in Kudat and Sandakan, Sabah.
As we can see, today’s gathering is very different, the aura is extraordinary, because this is a much-awaited conference.
What’s more, history will be made with the record attendance of delegates, members, observers and the public — the crowd is said to exceed 30,000.
Even as I walked into this hall, I could see a sea of red, the colour of our struggle, which will keep the Sang Saka Bangsa flag flying.
Ladies and gentlemen.
This is a sign of confidence that I, Najib Razak, as Umno president, am not alone. It means that our leadership up here, is not alone. Because, who are we as leaders without your support and loyalty?
If all this is indicative of the spirit of Umno members, I have full confidence that Umno will continue to be vibrant, and will continue to lead, not only for the next 30 years, in fact, God willing, for the next 1,000 years!
My friends, commanders, warriors of the race and religion, if the siren and war drums are sounded today, are we all ready to do battle?
Are we ready? Are we ready? Syukur Alhamdulillah, if that is the answer.
In fact, last May 11, when we celebrated Umno’s 71st anniversary at Bukit Jalil Stadium, I am sure many can still remember how we prayed together, along with hundreds and thousands of Umno members, seeking God’s blessings to protect Umno and its struggles.
Bless all our efforts in the name of the religion, race and the nation, and bless our homeland.
We will continue to hold our hopes high under God the Almighty’s protection.
Even when the birds stop singing and the earth turns dry and is no longer green, and all around us is silent, we seek God’s help to save the Malay Bumiputeras from disaster.
So, let us lift our spirits, for our gathering today is not an ordinary one, but one that will be remembered as the mother of all assemblies.
It’s important that from now on, the battle torch must not be extinguished. The (election) fever has to continue until we secure a major victory in the 14th General Election, InsyaAllah.
My brothers and sisters.
What is important:
Datang bukan sebarang datang;
Himpun tidak sebarang himpun;
Walau ribut kemarau pun panjang;
Meski taufan datang bergulung.
In the battle this time, the mother of all elections, we will battle, and fight to the end.
Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow warriors of the cause.
In this sea of red, we stand united in our passion. If such is the vibe, then this is reassuring for us all.
Nevertheless, we should keep our feet firmly planted on the ground and face reality. As the elders would say, before we venture further, we should pause and reflect on ourselves and the party, and get out of our comfort zone.
In short, during this assembly of great importance, we cannot just talk of nice things, as Hamka used to say: “If life is bitter and sweet, so is the struggle between victory and sacrifice, and sweat and tears.”
What is of utmost importance is that party members and the machinery must be prepared because soon, we will be facing the most important of all challenges.
It is not important to the Malay Bumiputeras, Umno and Barisan Nasional only, but also for the stability and sovereignty of the country, as well as the future of Islam. Most of all, it is important for our future generation so that we do not become impoverished and marginalised in our own land.
This is a fact, my brothers and sisters. We have split into various groups with different political leanings now in our struggle to ascertain our direction.
Therefore, we should be grateful and fortunate that with Allah’s blessings, we are still united and strong — that is Umno. The reality is Umno has proven itself as the only party that is resilient in defending the interests of Malay Bumiputeras as well as Malaysians, and has remained as the backbone of Barisan National.
While this is the moment of reckoning for Malaysians as a whole, we should not drift from our main struggles. We have to be mature in our evaluation and not get emotional, or be influenced by the opposition’s propaganda on social media.
As such, my brothers and sisters, please know that this presidential address, my ninth, has not been easy.
I’ve had to think long and hard, and have had heart-to-heart discussions and exchanged thoughts and ideas with many to determine the message of my speech, and to fulfill the trust and responsibility that comes with the position.
This is because I was reminded time and again, when preparing this speech, that: “Today, I shall neither speak in the interest of my duty as the president of Umno, nor as the chairman of Barisan Nasional.
My utmost and paramount responsibility at this very important juncture as a leader is to fulfill the duty entrusted on me as the prime minister; not only to the more than three million Umno or seven million Barisan Nasional members, or the 69 per cent Bumiputera, Muslims or non-Muslims.
In fact, what I have on my shoulders now are the interests of more than 32 million Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, background or ideology.
To conclude that, I want you to think carefully about this upcoming general election, which is not just another general election because more important than that, if this time round the country falls into the wrong and irresponsible party, then what we and our forefathers have patiently built thus far will come tumbling down, be crushed and destroyed before our eyes.
Brothers and sisters.
Please know that this election will put us at a crossroads. The choice is ours, the fate of the nation is in our hands.
Clearly, this is not a game. The risks are real and there will be no turning back. We dare not even imagine the nightmare and bad luck that may befall us.
Firstly, are we willing to let Islam and Islamic teachings be ridiculed and insulted in this country?
Secondly, will we have the heart to see the monarchy disrespected while proud Malay and Bumiputera institutions, such as Mara, Felda, as well as Tabung Haji, are marginalised?
Similarly, UiTM, the institution of pride for Bumiputera Umno, will suffer the same fate and definitely be denied from achieving its objectives if the opposition were to rule the country.
Furthermore, should the opposition take over, the civil servants, who have been the backbone of the government all this while, would very soon, be reduced in number.
And, obviously, our enemies will trample on the special rights of Malay Bumiputeras as the native descendants of this country, and pawn away the position.
Worse still, the Bumiputeras will be cast aside, insulted, damned and left destitute in their own country. So, we must be aware that the party’s annual assembly and the upcoming general election are not only for Umno or Barisan Nasional. It is, in fact, for all of us.
It is a crucial mission — to ensure the survival, the future destiny of the people and country, as a whole.
Brothers and sisters, fellow members in my big Umno family.
Let us think for a moment — if Umno, Barisan Nasional and the country were to fall into the hands of the opposition, would we be able to meet again in this august hall in the future?
Will we still hear the invocation of salawat (blessings and peace) upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?
Will Umno’s anthem and patriotic songs be sung? Will Umno’s flag continue to fly?
Can we hold back our tears when we are no longer able to gather like this in a big family as brothers and sisters of Umno?
Only then, will we realise and understand the benefits of being united, fighting for the same cause under the Umno umbrella.
But, by then, it will no longer have any meaning. It will be the end of the true Malay story. The nobat and the nafiri will no longer be played.
At that time, when the children of our grandchildren ask why we have failed and allowed all this to happen, the answer — with a face of a million regrets and teary eyes — we can only say to them: “Forgive us, forgive us, forgive our sins.”
Therefore, my fellow comrades, I call upon all of you, if we do not want all this to happen, to solemnly vow and promise, to be loyal, and make this pledge: “Let lightning strike, let heaven and earth collide. Until the last drop of blood, we will defend this government. This country must not fall into the opponent’s hands.”
Ladies and gentlemen.
When we discuss the direction or the rights of the people as voters in every election, I do not want us to repeat the mistakes and carelessness that occurred in the 13th General Election.
Everybody knew then that Umno was not weak. In fact, we won and increased the number of our parliamentary seats from 79 to 88. But, due to the opposition’s dirty tactics, we fell victim to the politics of perception.
It was also called the “war of perception”, in which we almost lost. In reality, we were on the right track and we fought hard, compared with the opposition, who were full of drama and good at acting only.
Another thing which needs clarification in this context is that Umno is not a racist party.
If it was, it would not be possible for it to be accepted to lead other component parties of various races in Barisan Nasional all these years.
I repeat, Umno is not anti-Chinese.
However, evidently, the Chinese and some Indians have been dragged into the trap, becoming victims of perception and lies of the opposition.
Umno is, actually, above all because we have been enjoying the diversity in the country, and
we believe in a harmonious relationship, living together, side by side and complementing one another.
Speaking of perception, for example, in the 13th General Election, the opposition harped on all kinds of false news to tarnish the image of the party and the government.
A lie was created that 40,000 voters had been imported from Bangladesh. And, it was alleged that the indelible ink used could easily fade and be removed.
In fact, on polling day, about 4am, an opposition leader kept lying to the people that they had won the election. How could he say that they had won when the election had yet to be held?
Like the people of Perak say (in their dialect): “Nampak benor menipunya (it’s obvious he’s lying).”
This is the modus operandi of the opposition. If you do not believe me, see it for yourself during the 14th General Election.
They will continue to disseminate lies, raising all kinds of issues, and will become more aggressive, more cunning, simply to win over the people.
Ladies and gentlemen.
This is the reality that is taking place. For example, we have not stopped discussing, at branch and divisional meetings and during coffee breaks, about who our genuine supporters are, and whether they will vote for us in the election. We are faced with the issue of voters who are divided into several groups.
First, party members, in fulfilling their responsibility, will of course vote for our party. Second, there are those who will vote for the opposition. Third, the most important group that we have to approach and win over, are those who are impartial, or the “persuadable voters”.
For this significant group of voters, we have to make it our main agenda to persuade them through various campaigns and approaches.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Two nights ago, I saw the speech delivered by YAB Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, my good friend and deputy (president), at the opening of the joint assemblies of the party wings.
Yesterday, I also had the opportunity to listen to the speeches by the Wanita, Youth and Puteri chiefs.
I was able to conclude that all of them successfully touched on the major issues and challenges in advising members to be prepared for the general election, and they understood well the objective of this general assembly.
Hence, as the president and prime minister, my speech will cut across all that has been raised, and serve as a conclusion for all.
As such, I will recall and highlight the various transformations that we have drawn up in the
bigger context, encompassing all the successes that have been achieved by Umno, Barisan Nasional and the government during the eight years of this administration.
Ladies and gentlemen.
In fact, since I started helming Umno, Barisan Nasional and the government on March 26, 2009, and then on April 3, 2009, when I assumed the prime minister’s post, I did not waste time and launched various strategic transformations under the National Transformation Policy that was officially declared in 2010.
First of all, in Umno, we carried out an unprecedented, boldest and most democratic political transformation.
Seven amendments were made to the constitution at the Special Umno General Assembly in 2009 to allow party elections for more than 150,000 members to ensure that it always remains dynamic, inclusive and relevant.
In comparison, DAP has been led, for more than 50 years, by its adviser and has become a “family dynasty”. Where is the democracy that is much-talked about?
Evidently, only in name. Even at the re-election of its Central Executive Committee (CEC), only 54 per cent of delegates turned up.
And, this does not yet include the Bunga Raya party, the flower long ago referred to as kembang sepatu (hibiscus) — a party now led by a former Umno leader and former statesman.
It is easy to talk. How can a party that fails to hold a meeting govern the country?
When the election is upon us, and if they have yet to settle their affairs in accordance with the constitution that they themselves have drawn up, they should not blame anyone else, especially the government, right?
Sorry to say, but we also do not see the values that the Bunga Raya party is trying to promote.
They say they want to fight for the Malays and Islam, but they are working with, and are clearly being used as a tool, by DAP — a party that has been anti-Malay and anti-Islam. In the DAP constitution, there is no mention of Islam as the federal religion. In fact, their objective is to make the country secular.
As for (Tun Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad), it was on this stage that he reminded us that Malays easily forget, but “this man has crossed the line” when he abandoned his principles and started to work with long-time political rivals just to fulfill his personal and family agenda.
Of course, going by the old saying, oil and water never mix.
Obviously, the “Malays easily forget” slogan suits him. People like us, who adhere to our philosophy of struggle, InsyaAllah, do not at all become Malays who easily forget like them!
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Malaysians.
Almost two months ago, Alhamdulillah, I tabled on behalf of the Barisan Nasional government a budget respected by friend and foe, a most-inclusive “Mother of all Budgets”, with an unprecedented largest allocation.
The Bumiputera economic empowerment agenda remains as the national agenda through the Bumiputera Wellbeing Transformation Policy. Among the outcomes, the carve-out and compete initiative for Bumiputera has achieved a contract value of more than RM61 billion.
This proves that Bumiputera contractors are becoming more competitive and capable. The world-class Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project was not only completed ahead of schedule without compromising quality, but also saved more than RM2 billion in costs.
Of course, the MRT is a success story and a symbol of transparency, proof of the capability of our children in various fields of engineering. They can succeed. Well done!
The same goes for the infra-rakyat projects, the proposed East Coast Rail Link and high-speed rail. As for the people of Sabah and Sarawak, we will complete the Pan Borneo Highway stretching 2,325km, built at a cost of almost RM30 billion, that will benefit the people there.
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Malaysians.
Indeed, the Barisan Nasional government led by Umno is most concerned with the interests the people.
The Chinese have been provided allocations for, among others, education, and have benefited from business loans and reduced taxes. For Indians, we have launched the Malaysian Indian Blueprint that will bring them into the mainstream and raise their socio-economic status.
For the first time, I announced the biggest allocation yet of RM6.5 billion for farmers, fishermen, smallholders, livestock breeders and rubber tappers.
This amounts to almost RM63 billion of total allocation for agricultural and rural development in the past eight years of this administration.
Additionally, another RM6.5 billion was provided for basic infrastructure, which will help improve the quality of life and well-being of the more than 6.2 million Malaysians in rural areas, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
Intellectuals say the success of Umno and Barisan Nasional in governing and driving this country is evident and shining brightly like the sun and stars.
Ladies and gentlemen.
The opposition parties claim to champion the affairs of the people, but they are actually busy play-acting.
That’s why there are four captains in one opposition party — a de facto leader, a chairman, a president and an adviser. They cannot even resolve a conflict in their party, so how can they even take over the national administration?
The Pas president himself said that in (the opposition) Pakatan Harapan, there are rogue leaders. We are not saying this. Pas had been affiliated with PKR and DAP (in the opposition pact).
So, surely, that party knows who the rogues are and who the real leaders are.
This is contrary to the practice in Umno and Barisan Nasional. Through various forms of political transformation, we practise persuasive and unifying approaches to strengthen the party and the government.
In other words, Umno has matured and practises healthy politics, and is inclined towards “unifier” values which are non-confrontational and not characterised by quarrelsome people, who cause embarrassment or engage in character assassination.
Ladies and gentlemen.
From the economic point of view, the opposition has relentlessly spread lies, saying that Malaysia is a failed state and will become bankrupt.
But, the fact is that the country’s gross domestic product growth for the third quarter of this year was 6.2 per cent, which is among the highest in the world.
In fact, the current economic position proves to be much better than the country’s GDP in 1998, which was 7.4 per cent, while under the leadership of the former statesman.
The latest international reserve now stands at RM429 billion, compared to only RM59.1 billion during the Asian economic crisis in 1997/1998.
Just think, even when the reserves stood as low as RM59.1 billion, not including the missing RM31 billion, the country was still not accused of being bankrupt.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Indeed, our success is not just stories, but is testimony to our achievements that have been acknowledged and recognised by rating bodies, not only at the national level, but also in the international arena.
Recently, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2017/2018 by World Economic Forum, Malaysia was ranked 23rd in terms of global competitiveness (out of 137 countries ), and hence, became the “Top emerging economy” in this region.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Education, right from preschool level to primary and secondary levels, is free, while at university or tertiary level, 90 per cent of the costs is borne by the government.
The QS University Ranking 2017/2018 placed five of our research universities among the one per cent of the world’s best.
Well done to the higher education industry players!
In this regard, it is obvious that the opposition was unable to keep their promise of providing free higher education. Even at the state government-owned Universiti Selangor, the students still have to pay fees. Nothing is free.
In fact, I was told that the fees are quite high.
See? Another lie. And, who are the ones being lied to? The people! This is what we don’t want.
Moving on, ladies and gentlemen, since 2010, the government has allocated more than RM192 billion to provide quality health services to the people.
Now, we have 356 1Malaysia Clinics, which have treated 26.7 million patients. Just think, which country in this world provides health service for only RM1?
It’s only in Malaysia, by the government led by Umno and Barisan Nasional.
The cost of maternity care and delivery at government hospitals can be as low as RM50 compared with the average of RM5,000 at private hospitals.
What’s more, for each child born after Jan 1, the government will present them with RM200 each in the form of a trust fund called Amanah Dana Anak Malaysia 2050 or ADAM50.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In this regard, I was told by the Puteri chief that a lot of Puteri members are looking forward to ADAM50, but of course, Wanita members can also do so.
In another development, ever since the Government Transformation Programme was implemented in 2010, various successes and good results have
been achieved.
The Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), for example, which has become the game-changer in public service delivery, has been internationally recognised as the best government service model.
UTC has been praised because all its one-stop centres are operating daily from 8.30am to 10pm, including weekends.
We are proud and grateful of that. There is no other country that can offer such service to the people except in Malaysia, under the government led by Umno and Barisan Nasional.
On another aspect, ever since the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) was introduced, more than RM25 billion had been disbursed, and this does not include next year’s payments, involving RM6.8 billion, which will benefit more than seven million recipients, who will receive up to RM1,200 each.
About BR1M, the opposition once accused us of using it to bribe people. But now, it seems that they have made a U-turn, saying that if they were to rule, they would also adopt BR1M’s targeted-subsidy concept.
This is what the opposition is good at, making U-turns and more U-turns.
Furthermore, we have also established more than 180 1Malaysia People’s Shops (KR1M), which sell essential items at a much lower price. Next year, we will upgrade KR1M to KR1M 2.0, which I will personally launch soon.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Speaking about the Goods and Services Tax, it has proven to be effective in saving our economy because without the RM41 billion collected, how can the country meet its expenses?
The opposition, on the other hand, until today, still cannot reach a consensus on whether or not to accept GST, as some say it has to be zero-rated before being accepted.
The latest news is that Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is asking for half (of the collection) to be given to the Penang government, and some have proposed to revert to the old Sales and Services Tax system.
Hmm... that is the opposition. Like I said before, the only thing consistent about them is that they are continuously inconsistent.
Ladies and gentlemen.
On toll collection, as announced in 2018 Budget, the government has agreed to abolish the tolls at Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau in Selangor; Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah; and the Eastern Dispersal Link in Johor.
Unfortunately, our noble effort has been manipulated by the opposition, who claim that the toll abolishment will increase the people’s burden.
That is another lie. Wasn’t Dr Mahathir the “Father of all tolls”?
Ladies and gentlemen.
To all Malaysian citizens, especially the youth, the government has so far created 2.26 million jobs, with a target to see 3.3 million people securing new ones by 2020.
In fact, in the era of the Digital Economy and the launch of the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ), which will turn Malaysia into the world’s first digital economy hub outside China, it is estimated that more than 60,000 high-income job opportunities will be created for the youth.
Besides, the development of Tun Razak Exchange is expected to generate RM40 billion for our economy and create 40,000 job opportunities.
The development of Bandar Malaysia, on the other hand, is expected to generate around RM170 billion and create more than 200,000 job opportunities, hence, becoming the “Most modern smart city” in the region.
Apart from that, the development of Menara Warisan Merdeka by Permodalan Nasional Bhd will create an economic network amounting to RM11 billion, and generating 10,000 new jobs.
The 118-storey tower is expected to be the world’s third tallest building.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Indeed, the Umno-led government will continue upholding the status of Islam and Islamic teachings based on Maqasid Syariah, following these three priorities.
Dho’ruriyat, which are main basic necessities; Haajiyat, which is what humans need to remove severity and hardship; and Tahsiniyat, which is luxury needed to attain refinement and perfection in life.
The same goes for the Wasatiyyah Principle, which is applied in the development of the country. Malaysia is now recognised as a prosperous Islamic nation that is progressive and dynamic.
At the international front, Kuala Lumpur has been practising a good and open policy with other countries, especially with super powers like China, the United States, Japan, India and Saudi Arabia.
The Grand Imam of Masjidil Haram, Sheikh Dr Saleh Al Talib, who visited Malaysia last week, also opined that in upholding Islam in a multi-racial society, Malaysia is indeed on the right track.
While praising Malaysia’s Tawazun or Wasatiyyah practices, which reject extremist ideologies such as the likes of Islamic State and Daesh, he said the country also did not also practise an extreme liberal ideology.
And, because of that, he explained, Malaysia has become, not only the hope of Muslims in the region, but is also respected by the Islamic world.
In other words, Malaysia is the true face of Islam. The peaceful co-existence of different faiths can happen in Malaysia, but it is not easy to practise it in other Islamic countries.
In this context, we are grateful when the Malaysian Syariah Index score this year rose to 76.06 per cent.
On the humanitarian aspect, Malaysia will continue to show its concern and play an active role worldwide, especially in helping fellow Muslims across the globe, such as in Myanmar and Palestine.
Interestingly, we are the first country in the world to open a field hospital in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh, for Rohingya refugees.
Tan Sri permanent chairman, my fellow comrades.
Indeed, Umno has never and will never compromise on matters that insult Islam, not only in Malaysia, but in any other place.
So, earlier this week, when we were shocked by the United States’ proposal to recognise Baitul Maqdis (Jerusalem), one of the three Holy Lands of Muslims, as the capital of Israel, I believe that none of us Muslims will be able to accept that, ever.
As Umno president and prime minister of Malaysia, I call on all party leaders, delegates and members here and at home, wherever you are, to rise and make our voice heard, so that the world will hear Malaysian Muslims when we say:
“We strongly, and forever reject the proposal to recognise Baitul Maqdis as the capital of Israel.”
Ya Allah Ya Tuhan,
Kami berlindung denganMu dari kejahatan musuh kami.
DiKau satukanlah hati-hati kami.
DiKau cerai-beraikan himpunan mereka.
DiKau pisahkanlah kesatuan mereka dan; Ya Allah,
DiKau goncangkan serta hancurkanlah perancangan mereka.
Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!
Ladies and gentlemen.
In this regard, I share the view of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi when he said in his speech that we have to be colour blind in matters involving humanity.
That is why we practise musyawarah or discussions in Umno and Barisan Nasional, just like one big family.
Like the old Malay saying: “if there’s not much, a little will do”. The struggle is not only for all Muslims in Malaysia, but it is the voice of all humanity represented by the Umno-led Malaysian government.
In regard to Pas, our stand is clear. Our relations with them are based on the interests of Islam and the ummah, despite our political differences.
Ladies and gentlemen.
In uplifting the status of Islam, the Umno-led government has been, for years, providing necessary aid and assistance to imam, bilal, KAFA teachers, takmir teachers, and even the tok siak, who number more than 65,000 nationwide.
The government will also continue to develop, upgrade, repair and maintain tahfiz centres across the country through cooperation with Giat Mara, with an allocation of RM50 million, to ensure that those centres are safe, conducive and comfortable.
Ladies and gentlemen.
When I announced a financial allocation to upgrade Penang International Airport, the chief minister was most grateful.
However, when it came to the vote to approve the 2018 Budget, the opposition members of parliament, led by DAP, had rejected the budget.
In fact, during the massive floods in Penang on Nov 5, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng pleaded for help, crying as he telephoned the deputy prime minister when asking for aid, saying: “Save Penang… save Penang”.
Clearly, once again, DAP has shown its true colours. In not supporting the 2018 Budget, it also rejected the aid allocated under the budget, which it had to plead for later. After that, when the deputy prime minister and I went to Penang, the Federal Government was blamed for not giving aid during the floods. This is again another lie.
This is also the manifestation of DAP’s unpleasant behaviour. As the old Malay saying goes: “Susu yang kita hulurkan, tuba pula jadi balasan.”
Ladies and gentlemen.
As the Umno-led government continues its call for national unity and mutual respect among the communities, it seems the opposition is becoming more narrow-minded in political, ethnic and racial aspects.
For the government, regardless of ethnicity or race, all the more than 32 million people of this country are 1MALAYSIA children.
Strangely, a former Umno president, who is now the main leader of an opposition party, is still trapped in the thinking of the colonialists, so much so that he is willing to discredit the descendants of the Bugis.
What kind of a mentality is that?
Umno celebrates ethnic diversity and all the cluster and group of Malays (rumpun Melayu). We have even recognised the Mamak Malabri of Kerala as Malays, and we have not asked for them to return to their home country.
As for the other person, on the basis of old friends, I visited him at the hospital as he was unwell. And, because it was just “a visit”, I brought along my wife. But, our sincerity was misunderstood. He was sarcastic in his poem. This is his reply:
Burung merpati terbang sekawan,
Hinggap seekor di atas dahan,
Kita sahut ‘Lawan tetap lawan’,
Di pilihanraya bertarunglah seperti anak jantan.
Fellow party members.
So, before we march onto the battleground, as Umno president, I have faith and trust in the hard work done at every level and by each of the party wings all these years, especially in the moments which take us into the final phase of the preparation for the 14th General Election.
As part of the Umno and Barisan Nasional preparation, I want to invite all parties to take note of Allah’s words in the Quran.
These include the Al-I’mran, An-Nasru, An-Namlu and Al-Ankabut verses, which state that “those who strive towards His blessings, We will show them the way to victory. Truly, Allah is with the people who strive and are patient”.
This means that it is Allah’s reminder that we must always have faith in Him, in every move and plan in life, whether in our personal, family and community affairs, as well as organisation, government and the nation.
We have been advised to learn from experience and history. We must look at the struggles of the prophets, the leaders of great civilisations, especially our Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
There have been more than 50 jihad during his time in Madinah, and he himself took part in almost 30.
In the contemporary context, the jihad by Umno and Barisan Nasional is upholding the principles of leadership, governance and management, struggles and wisdom.
We must incorporate these values into the party’s struggle. In the last eight years, I have highlighted almost all of these on this very stage.
They include great values, such as sacrifice, loyalty, discipline, patience, brotherhood, resilience, patriotism, moderation, solidarity and, most important of all, remaining steadfast as a community.
Similarly, another important episode which should be taken as an example is the opening of the City of Palestine by the second Caliph of Islam, Saidina Umar Al-Khatab, around the year 16 Hijrah, after the victory of the Battle of Yarmouk against the Romans.
The interesting aspect that we should emulate from this, is the leadership, strategy and wisdom of Saidina Umar in winning the hearts of the people, which correspond with the policies of Umno and Barisan Nasional that we have always upheld, which is taking the “persuasive” and “unifier” approaches, which are the “politics of persuasion and unification”.
On that basis, all of us in Umno and Barisan Nasional must fully appreciate the success of the “jihad” of our past leaders who, not only prayed hard, but also had real effort, strategy, planning and systematic implementation.
These have been clearly implemented by Umno and Barisan Nasional in leading the government.
What this means is that jihad does not only mean fighting battles or brandishing the sword, but also refers to all aspects of managing life in this world and the hereafter.
Therefore, we can say that in all humility, Umno, which has led Barisan Nasional for six decades, has done its level best.
As the prime minister, I am happy to announce that up to November, the Barisan Nasional government has implemented 97.6 per cent of the 17 initiatives and 156 strategic initiatives it has pledged.
My fellow party members,
From this moment on, strengthen your resolve. We will march onto the battlefield, towards success in the coming general election, armed with the “five calls” and a battle cry that will ensure victory in the 14th General Election.
FIRST: Move as one team.
This means, to ensure a big victory we have to move as a united force, strong and effective.
As the saying goes:
Tiada air orang tayamum,
Tayamum itu debu dan tanah,
Ketua memimpin ahlinya makmum,
Barulah Umno mendapat berkah.
All Wanita members, you are no longer just the backbone of the party, but are the “Best Mothers” of the race.
Uphold the trust and responsibility that have been accorded to you as commandant of half a million members and the JR Plus (Jentera Jalinan Rakyat) machinery.
So, Wanita Umno, armed with the spirit of women as warriors of the race, go forth to the people, strike the forts of the adversaries --- the battle must be won!
Ladies and gentlemen,
Members of Umno Youth, move with courage, as warriors who are the hope of the party and race, and win over new voters armed with the spirit of the success as the Overall Winners of the 29th SEA Games … carry the torch of excellence so that we will garner a major victory in the 14th General Election.
Members of Puteri Umno, as the youngest wing of the party, do not be shy, afraid or worried … mobilise the “Puteri Peduli” Squad to win the hearts of the people to vote for Umno and Barisan Nasional.
THE SECOND advice and call — move with confidence that we are on the right and true path.
This refers to all members of Umno and Barisan Nasional. Move with idealism and loyalty as well as a sense of family which can never be separated.
Have absolute loyalty and obey all the instructions of the top leadership. When a candidate has been identified, do not boycott or sabotage him, but display undivided loyalty and support.
Move with a winning mentality, without fear and no more doubts, to win the general election. With full focus, we are on the blessed path.
THE THIRD advice and call: Act swiftly, resolve challenges collectively and as a family.
We must never become disheartened during battle. If you are lost, go back to base.
Remember:
Keistimewaan Nabi dengan mukjizat,
Kelebihan Umat dengan muafakat.
(The strength of the people lies in consensus.)
Hold discussions as collective decisions are blessed by Allah.
THE FOURTH advice and call: Go forth into the cyber abd digita world as cyber warriors.
This is because, in this election, the real battle is in the cyber and digital world. If we fail to conquer it, what we have fought for all this while will go to waste. I am sure everyone has this (IT) “tool”.
So, use it well. Do not depend on any group of people because there are more than three million Umno members or more than seven million Barisan Nasional members. Everyone is a cyberwarrior.
AND, THE LAST advice and call: Fight with a strong spirit and resolve that we have done the best and planned the best, we leave the rest to Allah.
To all members and machinery of Umno and Barisan Nasional, our mission is one, our main objective is only one, to retain Umno and Barisan Nasional as the party that is the first choice of the people.
For, Umno is the implementer of the legacy bequeathed, and the true hope for the nation’s wellbeing.
As per God’s words in the Quran, we have been bestowed with the ability to think, eyes to see, a tongue to speak, two hands to take action and two roads to choose to determine the direction of our lives, those of our families, the community and the nation.
So, whether we like it or not, we must win the hearts of the people and convince them that the time has come for them to use the wisdom that has been given by God to decide as a judge during this general election.
The two choices are:
Whether to head towards the light which is obvious and will clearly take the nation forward under the leadership of Umno and Barisan Nasional, which have been proven to be progressive and with track record performance.
Or, take the bleak and unclear road led by the DAP dynasty, which is filled with lies and uncertainties, and which will eventually drag us back to the dark ages of cronyism and dictatorship.
Strangely enough, there are those who are still willing to be led by a person who is in his twilight years, when even former president Mugabe of Zimbabwe, who is of the same age, has been rejected by his own people.
What is most important is that the Umno-Barisan Nasional government will take Malaysia to be not just a champion in this region, but our agenda is to be superior and the best towards TN50, listed among the top 20 countries in the world, and we will continue to keep the bar high for Malaysia. Par excellence in this world and par excellence in the next.
Therefore, to ensure a major victory, I want to remind everyone, do not be like the chisel, no matter how sharp it is, it will only move when it is hit.
But be like the saw, which is sharp and produces results when it is moved back and forth.
As people say, a mother’s love take you to heaven, a father will sacrifice everything, and our love for the party knows no bounds.
With the major victory in the 11th Sarawak state election, which began with the call made by the late Apai Besai Tan Sri Adenan Satem, now continued by (Datuk Patinggi) Abang Jo, may the fighting spirit in the Bumi Kenyalang be just as strong as the one in Peninsular Malaysia.
And, with the patriotic spirit of the people of Sabah, who stand tall like Mount Kinabalu and will not even allow an inch of Lahad Datu to be taken, likewise, we will spread the sails of Umno and Barisan Nasional to head towards victory.
Come on, let us prove that Umno is not just for the Malay Bumiputera, not just to lead Barisan Nasional, but a truly sacred party for all Malaysians.
“Kendati itu, kalau digantung kita tinggi, biar dicincang kita lumat, namun, menyerah tidak sekali-kali.
We will battle all out!
We will definitely win this election, an we will defend Putrajaya.
In Allah we trust our lives and this party.
LONG LIVE UMNO!
LONG LIVE BARISAN!
LONG LIVE MALAYSIA!
Thank you.