Implement changes now, says Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno does not have much time left before the next general election is called and thus it is crucial for the party to implement the political transformation as soon as possible, Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin said.
He said the initiative to implement the transformation was crucial and could not be ignored because Umno had to face the general public who would make an evaluation and subsequently decide to determine the fate of the party in the next general election.

"We don't have much time left. I'm not certain when the party president (and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak) will announce the date of the general election. Even if the date is not announced, we certainly know that there are only several months left," he said when winding up the debate at the 61st Umno general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre, here today.

Muhyiddin, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the political transformation must be carried out as emphasised by Najib in the three phases of recovery including starting work programmes.

He said Umno too must have the courage to overcome the weaknesses within the party because they frequently became the target and focus of the general public who would be assessing what Umno had been doing all this while.

"We have heard talks from time to time suggesting that they are not satisfied with the initiatives that we have carried out all this while, what are the measures that we must take," he said.

Muhyiddin said Umno should also undertake soul-searching so that whatever action carried out was based on sincerity, and whatever statements made were true and would build public confidence in the party.

Umno's character

On the three-day general assembly, he said it had proven two important things which were that Umno was always serious in discussing matters to empower the Malays, and at the same time, ensure justice for all races in the country.

"In discussing these important matters, Umno always takes into consideration the views of the grassroots who represent the voice of the people, which clearly reflects Umno's character as a party that is not only democratic but also one that is always relevant, that always places the interest of the nation and people first," he said.

Muhyiddin said it was also clear that Umno members wanted the party to continue to have a strong stand in defending the special privileges of the Malays, the Malay language as the national language, Islam as the official religion and the sovereignty of the institution of the Malay Rulers which was enshrined in the constitution.

"These issues had been clearly voiced out and we are thankful for this firm stand. There should no longer be any dispute on these matters which we have decided in our Federal Constitution," he said.

Muhyiddin said that while Umno was firm in defending the privileges of the Malays and Bumiputera, the party also took the responsibility to protect and respect the rights of the other races in the country.

- Bernama