October 16, 2009 12:47 PM

Delegates Propose Setting Up Of Umno Foundation

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- An Umno Foundation should be established to provide financial aid to needy members, especially to help them pay their medical bills and children's education, the Umno general assembly was told on Friday.

An Umno delegate from Penang, Shabudin Yahaya said this being that although many foundations had been formed, they did not operate in Umno's name.

"We want a foundation with Umno's brand so that the party remain relevant. Only then Umno's presence will reach the grassroots and be accepted by the people," he said when debating the presidential address in conjunction with the Umno general assembly here Friday.

He said Umno had helped many people in need, but had forgotten its own members.

"That is why we need a foundation to help the Umno members," he added.

Shabudin also suggested that Umno set up its own "Dewan Ulamak" to tackle issues on Islam.

"Today (Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk) Nik (Abdul) Aziz (Nik Mat) only rambles, while official religious agencies play safe when there are issues (on Islam)," he added.

Meanwhile, Perlis delegate Ahmad Bakri Ali hoped Umno would continue to make poverty eradication its main agenda to win the people's heart.

"Poverty is not a new problem. The poor and the backward are not only in the rural areas, but also in town. Poverty is not only measured in terms of income alone, but also lack of basic facilities.

"Health and education aid for the poor should be given priority. The poor should be given fish first, only then the fishing rods," he added.

Another delegate, Datuk Idderis Kassim, from Melaka, suggested the federal government, which had the financial resources, to increase the salary of religious teachers as was done in Melaka.

"In Melaka, previously, religious teachers are paid a salary of between

RM150 and RM250, now religious teachers who teach from 2pm to 6pm earn an income of RM1,500," he added.

He also said that academicians, like professors, and retired teachers, to produce more books.

--BERNAMA

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