The political philosophy and formulas used by Umno must change to reflect the socio-economic situation in Malaysia.
FMT
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, popularly known as Pak Lah, called in a blog post for Umno to manage the country fairly for the advancement of all races in Malaysia, not just Malays.
Addressing the upcoming Umno Annual General Assembly, Badawi said that while the party’s struggle was for race, religion, and country, it also exists to lead the rakyat.
Calling the party the “most important in Malaysia,” Badawi conceded that the political philosophy and formulas used by the party must change to reflect the socio-economic situation in Malaysia.
“Malay economic advancement does not need to be accompanied by suspicion or racial conspiracy theories. In pursuit of progress, the Malays do not have to point fingers or offend others,” he wrote, adding that he was saddened and worried that many people perceived Umno as having or supporting “racial extremist elements.”
He also wrote that he hoped the party would be more positive during the Assembly, asking that the delegates take a positive approach on the development of the Malays and light a spirit of struggle among the party, and not a “spirit of racism,” so that Umno’s agenda would be accepted by all.
“I believe the rhetoric and political philosophy of Umno needs to be updated immediately, in tandem with the development of the political philosophy of the people of today’s Malaysia,” he wrote, “I also hope that non-Malays will not misunderstand when Umno leaders discuss and argue about Malay affairs, and not make groundless accusations. While there may be a speech that seems offensive, Umno as a party is not racist.”
Badawi also encouraged the party to be less aggressive and more proactive to tackle the needs of the current geo-political situation, saying that he believed the rakyat truly wanted a party that understood their needs, tried to resolve their struggles, and was in touch with them.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, popularly known as Pak Lah, called in a blog post for Umno to manage the country fairly for the advancement of all races in Malaysia, not just Malays.
Addressing the upcoming Umno Annual General Assembly, Badawi said that while the party’s struggle was for race, religion, and country, it also exists to lead the rakyat.
Calling the party the “most important in Malaysia,” Badawi conceded that the political philosophy and formulas used by the party must change to reflect the socio-economic situation in Malaysia.
“Malay economic advancement does not need to be accompanied by suspicion or racial conspiracy theories. In pursuit of progress, the Malays do not have to point fingers or offend others,” he wrote, adding that he was saddened and worried that many people perceived Umno as having or supporting “racial extremist elements.”
He also wrote that he hoped the party would be more positive during the Assembly, asking that the delegates take a positive approach on the development of the Malays and light a spirit of struggle among the party, and not a “spirit of racism,” so that Umno’s agenda would be accepted by all.
“I believe the rhetoric and political philosophy of Umno needs to be updated immediately, in tandem with the development of the political philosophy of the people of today’s Malaysia,” he wrote, “I also hope that non-Malays will not misunderstand when Umno leaders discuss and argue about Malay affairs, and not make groundless accusations. While there may be a speech that seems offensive, Umno as a party is not racist.”
Badawi also encouraged the party to be less aggressive and more proactive to tackle the needs of the current geo-political situation, saying that he believed the rakyat truly wanted a party that understood their needs, tried to resolve their struggles, and was in touch with them.
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