October 15, 2009 21:02 PM

Najib's Keynote Address At Umno General Assembly 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The following is the text of speech by Umno President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Umno General Assembly 2009, at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim Alhamdulillahi Rabbil A-lamin, was-salatu was-salamu ala Rasulillah. Rabbi ish-rah-li sadri wa-yassir-li amri wahlul uq-datan min-lisani yaf-qohu qauli.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Yang Berbahagia permanent chairman, Yang Berhormat deputy permanent chairman, Yang Amat Berhormat deputy president, vice-presidents, Wanita, Youth and Puteri chiefs, Supreme Council members, leaders of Barisan Nasional component parties, guests of honour, delegates and observers.

First of all I would like to share with you the commandment of Allah SWT in 4th verse of Surah As-Saff:

"Sesungguhnya Allah menyukai orang-orang yang berjuang di jalan-Nya, dalam barisan yang teratur seakan-akan mereka seperti satu 'bun-ya-nun-marsus' yakni bangunan yang tersusun kukuh."

And the words of Saidina Ali that:

"Sesuatu yang benar dan hak namun tidak tersusun akan dikalahkan oleh yang batil dan salah, tetapi diatur dengan tersusun."

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. First of all, let us thank Allah SWT for His grace in allowing us to congregate here in this morning.

2. Indeed this Dewan Merdeka has for many decades witnessed many events, bitter and sweet experience, sad and joyful journey, for the much-honoured party, Umno, our party.

3. The assembly this morning is also meaningful with the presence of former president YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

4. This is an example of the undying fighting spirit in the hearts of Umno leaders; which continue to burn, ever willing to be together in pursuing the unfinished struggle. This is the spirit and strength that will allow us to rise and build the splendour of a race which has done a lot of good deeds to this beloved country of ours.

5. We also wish to express our appreciation to YABhg Tun Dr Siti Hasmah for being with us in this assembly. Your presence enlivens the spirit of Umno members from all corners of the country who are witnessing this historical moment.

6. The General Assembly this time around created a history of its own. Firstly, this is historical for me personally as this is my maiden speech as Umno president since taking over the helm last March. I am thankful for the orderly manner in which the power transition took place, staying true to Umno's noble tradition and made possible by YABhg Tun Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi.

7. Secondly, the assembly this time around, which takes place just six months from the last one, is also seeing a bold move by Umno to incorporate a major amendment to party constitution, thus proving that Umno is not obsolete, neither it is an outdated party. On the contrary, this amendment clearly shows Umno's determination to become a party that is dynamic, progressive and responsive to current needs.

8. Thirdly, this assembly will be a monumental moment for Umno, which will ink a new chapter in its journey, with new spirit, new approach and new direction.

Ladies and gentlemen,

9. Here we are, in this auspicious morning, in the light of Syawal, celebrating our victories during the fasting month of Ramadan. We should indeed be grateful, and say Alhamdulillah, to God, for our success in defending the Bagan Pinang state constituency with a bigger majority.

10. I would like to thank all, the leaders at all levels for the hard work; and the people, especially the voters, for the victory under the leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the deputy president. The success highlighted the fact that Umno is still the party of choice for the Malays and the people.

11. This is also a clear proof that the local people of various races want to be with the Barisan Nasional. Why, ladies and gentlemen, had they made this choice? It is because Barisan Nasional has proven its capabilities in administering the country; because it is Barisan Nasional which has been fighting for the people all the while.

12. Nevertheless, we should take this victory calmly and with humility. As the saying goes, "One swallow does not make a summer" or its equivalent in Malay, "Janganlah kerana mendengar guruh di langit, air tempayan dicurahkan". We should not easily feel comfortable or relieved that we have become a party which is the people's choice, just because there is no other party that can be relied upon, or in other words, the best among the bad.

13. In Bagan Pinang, we found that non-Malays are accepting Umno with an open heart. In areas where the voters are multiracial, we want Umno to be accepted by the people, as a party that not only struggle for the lot of the Malays and Bumiputeras, but for all the ethnic groups in Malaysia.

14. This is in accordance with the 8th verse of Surah Al-Maidah in which Allah SWT calls upon us to be fair, to uphold the truth for all races, because being fair is being close to taqwa (piety). If we care for the welfare of the people, then the people, irrespective of race or creed, will willingly support and uphold our leadership.

15. In this regard, like it or not, Umno should be more open in its approach. Umno should be chosen based on the principle that it is the best party, either in terms of organisation, machinery, objective or value system. If this has been our recipe of success in Bagan Pinang recently, where we obtain a huge majority, then, I believe that by using the same recipe in other areas, we will enjoy similar or greater success, god willing.

Ladies and gentlemen,

16. History is the best teacher. Time and tide wait for no man. As renowned thinker George Santayana, said: "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." The thing is, historical events should not only serve as a lesson but also as a reminder on how we should manage current realities and chart a better future.

17. It is clear that those who draw the right lesson from history, are able to avoid committing mistakes and engaging in actions that can lead to the downfall of a country or civilisation. Meaning, to enable us to chart a better future, we should have strong roots, taking in lessons learnt from history and the virtue of our value system. Only then can we be strong in facing the future, having made a thorough preparation consistent to the demand of times. It is for this reason that I choose to theme the speech this morning "Menjunjung Tradisi, Menzahir Perubahan" (Upholding Tradition, Evolving Change).

18. Ladies and gentlemen, if we look back into the past, this year is a significant year not only in terms of the nation's history but also that of Umno's. Around this time 50 years ago, Malaysia began practising parliamentary democracy when the first post-independence general election was held in 1959. Also, around this time, 40 years ago in 1969, Umno led the efforts to save the country from the brink of destruction as the consequences of the racial conflict.

19. Twenty years ago in 1989, Umno also led the efforts to take the country out of recession and start the country's industrialisation process. And, still fresh in minds of the people, about this time 10 years ago in 1999, Umno once again rose to the occasion and pulled the country out of the deepening Asian financial crisis.

20. What is pertinent for us to know is that all these outstanding feats were captained by the leadership of Umno, who showed wisdom, creativity and innovativeness in their thinking. All these are done in the name of the people's interest.

Ladies and gentlemen,

21. In looking back into our nation's history, let us not forget that after the May 13, 1969 tragedy, Umno leaders could have chosen not to restore the suspended parliamentary democracy. Umno could have chosen to form a one-party government or support a military coup d'etat.

22. But we should remember that Umno chose not to do all those; on the contrary Umno had worked fervently to restore democracy within 18 months. This clearly shows that Umno is not power-crazy, and far from being a racist party.

Ladies and gentlemen,

23. In this regard, if we want to know the actual meaning of racist, just look at the history of South Africa, during the era of Apartheid. In the United States, racism was practised openly until in mid-60s. Schools, toilets, sections in restaurants and even seating arrangement in buses, were all segregated according to race.

24. It only ended after the United States Supreme Court ruled against racial segregation in Brown vs Kansas Board of Education, and when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 were formulated.

25. In this historical context, the situation is very much different in Malaysia. The Malays are an all-inclusive and all-encompassing race. If they had been a racist, it would not be possible for Melaka to become a prosperous entreport in the 15th century.

26. In this regard, those who go about calling Umno a racist party should look at themselves in the mirror with honesty. They should realise the reality of the racial composition in their own parties. Does it really show the openness which they have been shouting about?

27. If the Malays are racists as claimed, we would not have compromised on the practice of ethnic cultures, the creation of national type schools, and it would have been impossible to cooperate with other Barisan Nasional component parties for decades.

28. As such I have this to say to them. Don't be too arrogant in claiming that your parties are multiracial, with valid moral and intellectual honesty to lead the people.

Beloved delegates,

29. A good objective minus experience, moderation and leadership based on historical perspective, although correct, will not result in a good product and can lead to injustice and cruelty.

30. Based on past legends, Umno needs to dig up and model itself after the rich traditional strategic thinking in the glorious era of the Melaka Malay sultanate. The glorious Melaka empire in the midst of two big powers, China and Siam, shows that the power of the mind can conquer all. As such, I always stress that the real battle for now and the future is the battle of the mind.

31. Most prominent in that era was Bendahara Tun Perak whose clever use of the mind had placed Melaka as a highly-regarded empire. Melaka, although a small power compared to China and Siam, had not only succeeded in retaining its independence for over one century but also became a regional power.

Ladies and gentlemen,

32. Coming back to the party struggle, for Umno to have the support of the masses, it should be seen, regarded and trusted as a party that is capable of looking after the lot of the people. Umno cannot be seen as a party which is only passionate about struggling for the interest of a small group. Instead, we want Umno to be seen, felt and fully trusted as a party that is inclusive and that puts the interests of the people before personal interests. The perception that Umno is a party to make gains must be cast far far away, must be discarded.

33. More importantly, Umno should become a party which hold the philosophy of moderation or what political scientists describe as a centrist party. Umno cannot be an ultra-left or ultra-right party. Since its establishment, the Umno ideology has not leaned towards a liberal or a conservative ideology.

34. It is evident that Umno is a political party for all. Everyone has a place and role under the Umno umbrella. Since its establishment more than 60 years ago, Umno members had come from those with left and right ideology, nationalists as well as religionists.

35. They include thinkers, traders, educationists and those with socio-economic background. All were welcomed into Umno. This is Umno's strength, a sign of the real struggle of Umno, a much loved party which feels the heartbeat of all levels of society.

36. Umno, which has been around for over six decades, has wide experience. Umno is not a new party but one with a rich heritage. It had covered numerous tracks and passed through many thorns. It is a gift and also a burden. We are not a party good at rhetoric but has a long record to support our promises to the people. The burden surfaces when we are faced with legacy issues which threatened the survival of the race and country.

Ladies and gentlemen,



37. Umno is respected as a political party by friends and foes as it receives majority support of the Malays and Bumiputeras. Erosion of support will make Umno lose the respect of friends and foes.

38. Like it or not, Umno's strength as a political organisation is dependent on its ability to understand the needs of members. Umno's relevance as the ruling party is dependent on how far it can catch the imagination of not only the Malays but more importantly, the Malaysian people.

39. It means that Umno will be the party of choice as long as the people's needs are translated into the struggle and manifested with the formulation of government policies for the people's benefit.

40. At this crossroad, problems will not arise if the Umno aspiration and the aspiration of the majority of Malaysians are one. Problems will be created if what Umno imagined is not representative of the majority. This is made worse by the perception by Malays that Umno is not ready to make corrections fast.

41. If this happens, the people will consider Umno as not only an unrealistic party but also arrogant and uncaring. By then, don't be surprised, if that happens, most Malaysians will consider Umno not part of the solution but has become part of the problem.

Ladies and gentlemen,



42. To remain sustainable, Umno has no choice but to be humble and embrace reality. Umno needs to open avenues for improvement. Let us expand our struggle to all who want to help strengthen the party.

43. As Umno president, I sincerely plea to all the Malays, in the name of the ummah, to form a "saf" or team based on a marriage of thoughts and action to untangle the problem, restore ties and drive common interests. Let us forget the past so that the status of this honourable race will be uplifted.

44. At the same time, Umno members at leadership level or ordinary members need to look inwards to correct weaknesses. It is important for Umno members to make good behaviour and pure values as the foundation for the party's strength.

45. In my opinion, what most people want in a leader is humility. Remember that in a demoractic country, the people choose the leaders. They want leaders who are always willing to serve.

46. I like to remind leaders to keep close to those at the grassroots. The people hate leaders who are arrogant and detached from them. Those who serve with honesty will become leaders who are much loved.

47. Umno leaders and members should also get to know integrity when entrusted with a duty. This is important in convincing the people to continue to remain with Umno. The negative perception on integrity and the ethics of Umno leaders will become a major factor which will erode the people's support.

48. In addition, to strengthen the people's belief in the credibility and integrity of Umno, it must not only be propagated but practised by members and leaders. God willing, the people will take us back whole-heartedly.

Ladies and gentlemen,

49. Insanity comes in various forms. Some say a man who talk to himself is not yet considered insane. When he talks to himself and replies to himself, then it is called part insanity. The second phase is when he starts rambling to himself, replies to himself and believes in his replies. Then he has become truly insane.

50. Another type of insanity is to do the same thing several times hoping to get different results. For example, in the implementation of a policy, we cannot be too dogmatic and focus too much on the approach compared to the outcome.

51. This is because the tools and approach can change with the passing of time. The mode and method which is appropriate today may become obsolete ten years from now. So it was with the horse-drawn carriage and the telegraph which at one time served as the best tools but are now seldom or not used at all.

52. For example, when first formulated, the New Economic Policy targetted increasing Malay and Bumiputera equity ownership from 2.4 per cent to 30 per cent, in 20 years. But, until the New Economic Policy ended, the objective could not be achieved. The equity ownershiip of the Malays and Bumiputeras only reached 19.2 per cent. Therefore, this objective was continued under the National Development Policy, the Vision Development Policy and now, the National Mission using approaches that are not all very different.

53. With the passing of time, Malaysia changed direction and depended on foreign investment and exports while the country's economy is more open and easily affected by global economic developments. According to the 2008 World Trade Organisation report, Malaysia is the 21st biggest exporting nation in the world.

54. The truth is, future economic challenges awaiting us will be more complicated and awesome. The world economic landscape has changed. Yesterday's formula may not be efficacious. So if in about four decades we failed to achieve the objective by using the same method, is it not time we think of new strategies that are more relevant with the present time and era to achieve the ambitions we dreamt of?

55. Following this, the Malays need to be aware that one reason for the achievements of the New Economic Policy was that it was implemented in the midst of established economic growth. Statistics show that the average economic growth of the country from 1971-1990 was 7.1 per cent.

56. So, being aware of the importance of economic growth, when Malaysia faced a slump in the mid 80's due to drops in world commodity prices, Umno's leadeship and the country took action out of the norm. The main elements of the New Economic Policy were put on hold to restore the national economy to the growth level. This was done by having a healthy environment for continued foreign investment, especially in manufacturing.

57. This strategy was clearly successful. The government's tax revenue increased, job opportunities increased, and the country's economy recovered from its slump. The result was that the implementation of the New Economic Policy could be continued. Based on these factors, the government has started to liberalise certain sectors besides reviewing comprehensively the creation and ownership of Malay and Bumiputera wealth so that it is more established and meaningful.

Ladies and gentlemen,

58. From another angle, it is not only Umno that has to change and transform for the good of the country's heirs, more importantly the Malays on the whole need to change their mindset. Today, we see how the products of the New Economic Policy feel great and thump chests that they no longer need crutches and support. They say they can stand on their on own feet without depending on government aid.

59. Clearly, this group forgets a larger reality. I mean, if they are really resourceful enough to throw away the crutches that supported them all this while, what about other Malays who still need help. Is it fair that these crutches are denied to those who are qualified to receive, just because those who have already received aid are no longer dependent on it?

60. On the whole, no one can deny that today the Malays have a large middle class. This situation was not so when the New Economic Policy was launched in 1971. Who can deny today that there is a large number of Malay professionals who are the products of the New Economic Policy.

61. As such, we need to understand, the issue here is not a question of aid, but a question of managing and administering the aid. The fact is, Malays seen through the overall lenses are still lagging behind and need help. That actually is the main consideration.

Ladies and gentlemen,

62. We all know that Umno was built on the philosophy of struggle, sincerity and sacrifice with a great sense of patriotism. These are the basics that all this while shouldered the party's strength. Its a pity that many in the current generation take lightly the difficuties of the pioneers in establishing Umno.

63. Learn from the earnestness and nobleness of the generations before. For example, the sincere sacrifice of the women in the party. It is written in history of mothers who took off their rings, bracelets and chains to finance Tunku's delegation to London for independence talks. These are the pure and noble attributes of Umno women since decades. These are attributes we praise highly.

64. I still remember stories of leaders of past who were willing to make do in moderation and weariness to struggle for the party. They say, it is not so now, what is wanted now has to be soft and luxurious. Before, when coming for the Umno assembly, who did not know New Hotel and King Hotel in Batu Road. It would have been fortunate to enjoy Majestic Hotel. Now, if they cannot get a five-star hotel, many grumble of body pains. No standard and no class they say.

65. What I am trying to put forth is where is the service and volunteering culture in Umno? There are many professionals like lawyers, doctors, accountants and engineers who become members. Unfortunately, when we need volunteers, like in elections, very few step forward to help sincerely without seeking reward. Maybe, they did not get a places in branches or maybe their membership form disappeared along the way.

66. As such, I urge Umno members to revive the service and volunteerism culture in the party. Be sincere to serve without being told in the interest of the party and Malaysians. Those who have been bestowed gifts by Allah SWT, in their lives, it is only proper to contribute back to society. Only then will blessings come from the party and Allah SWT. As the song goes, sacrifice everything, property or life, that is the true, real and noble struggle.

67. Related to what has been said, to be a successful party, we cannot be separated from the thoughts and aspirations of the people. Now the people want the party and the government to understand their needs and want to be consulted more and to be approached directly. The reality is that the people want their views to be taken into account to determine the country's direction.

68. For that we must continue the process of renewal and make changes appropriate with the times. We must be known as a party that not only can outline changes but can make those changes happen.

Ladies and gentlemen,

69. Going in this direction, firstly Umno acted bravely to amend the party's constitution to be more transparent, inclusive and democratic. It seems our step has caused certain quarters to be agitated to the point that they shamelessly trying to copy and change their constitution without any detailed study. This is their true style and way, liking to make public promises without any follow-up.

70. The amendments we made were not cosmetic or patchwork, rather they were significant and comprehensive. They will broaden the number of members who will be directly involved in choosing the party leadership. It will mean increasing the number of delegates from 2,500 to more than 146,000 people. This is a sign that the democratic spirit is healthy and fresh in Umno. It is clear that there is no political party in Malaysia that is brave to act like this. With that I wish to remind all quarters, after the amendments we make, leave negative traits like money politics so that we become a clean and respected party.

71. Secondly, related to how the party picks candidates. Key Performance Indicators are very important for a political party to win elections and form a strong and stable government. For that we will change the criteria to determine candidates.

72. That means in choosing candidates, the individual must be a person who is accepted by the local community besides having qualities to serve at three important levels, which are the people level, the party level and the national level. In the final analysis, this is the type of candidate wanted by the people and can win elections.

73. Thirdly, the party culture in Umno must be inclusive and not insular. More outreach programmes must be implemented. In this context, one matter must be remembered, this need not be limited to Umno members but must be expanded to all Malays and non-Malays.

Ladies and gentlemen,

74. As a sequence to my speech, if we look at history, from the beginning when patriots struggled for independence till today, efforts to achieve national unity have, are and will always be a main priority. This is because everyone is aware that without solid and established unity all objectives and visions may not be achieved.

75. Because of that the government administration has introduced the 1Malaysia concept. 1Malaysia is not a new concept or formula. Instead, the end objective of 1Malaysia which is national unity was also the main vision of earlier Umno leaders that was translated into various forms for more than five decades.

76. The 1Malaysia concept is based upon several pillar principles, among them a departure from unity based on tolerance to that of acceptance, social justice and shared values, taking into consideration the nation's historical reality and guided by the supremacy of the Constitution and the Rukun Negara (national prinicples).

77. It is appropriate that I stress here that the 1Malaysia concept does not in any way digress from the spirit of the Federal Constitution as the law of the country, either written or unwritten. In fact, we will continue to uphold core provisions such as Article 3, Article 4, Article 152, Article 153 as well as Part II and III of the Federal Constitution.

78. As such, no one should harbour any suspicion or be unduly worried that the concept will deviate from what was agreed upon by the nation's forefathers. Ultimately, 1Malaysia is a celebration of Malaysia's plurality and diversity from which the country draws its strength.

Ladies and gentlemen,

79. The crux of it is that Umno must continue to uphold its tradition of fighting for the people. It is because of this that Umno will continue to champion for the welfare and livelihood of all Malaysians. I want the party's initiatives to be in keeping with the times. Umno can no longer be seen as a party that leans towards only one group. As the backbone of the ruling coalition, Umno cannot afford to be regarded as focusing solely on big business initiatives or mega projects but instead should be the champion of the people.

80. Umno's service must be done evenly. We will definitely be a party that advocates resilient economic growth, just distribution of wealth, comprehensive social security network and controlled cost of living.

Ladies and gentlemen,

81. Simply put, UMNO is a party for the masses which was born to champion the aspirations of the grassroots to redeem lost pride. History has proven that when UMNO is close to the people, when UMNO understands their heartbeat, the people will give their support to UMNO. This is why when UMNO pioneered the setting up of FELDA, MARA, TABUNG HAJI, LPP, LKIM and other agencies with the objective of uplifting the living standard of the people, we were held in high esteem.

82. And because of this, without becoming blase, UMNO will continue the tradition of championing the cause of the people. For 2009 alone, the government led by UMNO allocated RM22 billion to cover various subsidies, incentives and provide aid to lessen the burden of the people. This was able to be done because we had managed our finances well without having to increase or impose additional taxes.

83. So, don't be awe-struck and mesmerised by the opposition just because of free water and a little increase in allowance. At least remember the UMNO-led government's deeds for decades. People say don't forget the rain of a year just because of a day's drought.

84. The fact is, whether the people realise it or not, the government has done a lot for their well-being. For example, in the transportation and energy sector, the government has provided RM9 billion for petrol, LPG and diesel subsidies, RM2 billion for the cash rebate programme, over RM600 million for toll compensation, RM150 million for electricity rates and RM45 million more for rural air transportation and east coast rail.

85. All this shows that the government emphatises not only with the rural folk but also those in the towns because there are still some who live from hand to mouth. In essence, the people feel relieved that they are not alone in their struggle to pay for food and clothes, the rent, milk and diapers for their children and their daily transportation expenses.

86. What is certain is that the government understands and is informed on this issue. For example, in the agricultural and food sector, the government has allocated nearly RM600 million for padi subsidies, RM400 million for rice, RM275 million for fertilisers, RM210 million for wheat flour and RM89 million for bread.

87. Further, because of the importance of education and knowledge for future generations, RM2 billion has been disbursed in the form of aid for schoolchildren, especially those under the poor students project, RM411 million for aid for tertiary students, RM374 million for teachers and supervisors of religious and fardu ain (Kafa) classes and takmir teachers including imam and village heads. Besides this, the government has also allocated RM159 million for pre-schoolchildren and RM36 million for orang asli communities.

88. The government has also not forgotten poor families, the disabled and senior citizens as it allocated RM850 million to set up a safety net for them. Apart from this, from November 1997 to August 2009, the government, through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation, disbursed over RM19 billion to 1.4 million students of public and private institutions of higher learning at low interest rates. We are thankful for all these.

Ladies and gentlemen,

89. Since the 12th general election, UMNO's political enemies have been predicting the party's downfall. There are many detractors who are eager to read the "talqin" (last rites) on Umno. They say UMNO is dying. But the same prediction was also made when there was a split in Umno which resulted in the formation of Parti Kemerdekaan Tanah Melayu and Parti Islam seMalaysia.

90. A similar prediction was also made in the aftermath of the May 13, 1969 incident when the Alliance government lost its two-thirds majority and many UMNO candidates lost in the election. The same was also said of UMNO after the 1987 party elections, and when Parti Melayu Semangat 46 was formed and after the 1999 general election. But despite their predications, thanks to Allah SWT, each time UMNO rose to be stronger and more united.

91. As to the results of the 12th general election, people had given a strong message to Umno, jolting it to its senses and making it realise the need to change. We know the people still love Umno. They just want the party to change. The fact is, we have been listening to their wishes. And change, we shall.

92. What's for sure, the party's survival is important not for its leaders but for the race, religion, country and people. But the fact is, every generation of Umno leaders is faced with its own challenges. God willing, we overcame each of the challenges as a united force and with unyielding spirit. It goes without saying, the setting up of Umno was the result of the wishes religious scholars, educationists, farmers, fishermen, business people, the meek and the people as a whole who wanted freedom and dignity.

93. People say, if we are united, have one aim and synergise our energies, we will able to surmount all odds.

94. History has borne witness that Umno people have never failed to do something because it was difficult, Instead, we had succeeded in doing what seemed impossible by being strong in spirit.

95. Who would have thought that a race labelled as weak and not ready to be independent could succeed in wresting independence from a world power, not through armed struggle but by using the brain and the tongue, by diplomatically negotiating with the British. And then went on to make Malaysia a success story among the developing nations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

96. The trust placed in us cannot be shouldered by one person. It needs to be shouldered by a team, and a formidable one at that. As such, I urge and invite the deputy president, vice president, the heads of the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings, the leaders on stage and those below, those at the division and branch levels and all UMNO members, old and new, in the towns and rural areas, to rise up together with me to answer the call of our duty. Let us realise the vision of our people.

Ladies and gentlemen,

97. Believe it, that our strugle is the right struggle, that our struggle is a true struggle. We are Umno, the one party that brings the flame of hope and capable of charting a bright future for the people.

98. Whatever the challenges, whatever the hurdles, with a mount of hope, we continue this journey with confidence, all dreams will be fulfilled, a drop will become an ocean, a clump will become a mountain.

99. Changes we will definitely bring about while upholding the tradition of our struggle.

Kendati tergantung awan di langit, Telah terlanjur kubentangkan layar, Walau badai datang menggulung, Walau berdentum guruh di langit, Walau bumi berkeping dua, takkan mungkin ku berbalik haluan. Hidup UMNO! Hidup Melayu!

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

-- BERNAMA

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