UMNO Must Shape Malays With Strong Islamic Values By 100th Year - Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wants the party to produce a generation of Malays with a strong grounding in Islam by the time of its 100th anniversary in 20 years.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the success of a party’s struggle is not measured solely by the strength of its institutions, but by the quality of individuals shaped to defend religion, race and the nation.

“I envision Malays whose Islamic spirit does not fade, who truly understand the pillars of the religion, inseparable from both body and soul. I envision Malay youth with strong identity, who uphold dignity, and who possess high manners and noble character.

“I envision Malays who become inventors, creating ideas, generating value, and driving the progress of the nation and the people,” he said when delivering his winding-up speech at UMNO’s 80th Anniversary Convention here today.

Also present were UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and other top leaders of the party.

Over the next two decades, Ahmad Zahid outlined five priorities that UMNO must focus on, including strengthening dakwah (Islamic outreach) to safeguard the faith, uphold syariah and elevate moral values.

“Second, to become the anchor of the nation’s political stability. Third, to be a ‘talent factory’ that produces scholars, experts in various fields and skilled intellectuals who master future technologies.

“Fourth, to unify the leadership thinking of the Malay community, and fifth, to cultivate a culture of knowledge and tafaqquh (deep understanding of religion) to formulate policies and shape the community’s understanding,” he said.

As such, he said UMNO must be prepared with a solid foundation so that future generations can use it as a strong platform to serve and contribute.

“All of this is not merely about winning elections, but about producing heirs of the nation who are deeply imbued with the spirit and identity of being Malay,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid also said UMNO’s strength today still rests on its grassroots and the loyalty of its members, who remain the backbone of the party’s role in shaping the nation.

However, he said the party must be brave enough to acknowledge past mistakes, make improvements and carry out reforms to prevent divisions among its members.

“I do not promise an easy path. Nor do I promise that this struggle will be free from trials and tribulations.

“But what I can promise is that as long as I am given the trust, I will continue to make sacrifices to carry on this legacy of struggle, built with sincerity and noble spirit over eight decades,” he said.

-- BERNAMA