KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 ― Umno must remain steadfast and firm in upholding its principles and moderate values that form the core of the party’s struggle in balancing the demands of politics.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Umno should not be trapped in the politics of extreme racism, religion and human rights solely to become the champion for a certain race, religion or group.
He said Umno has the responsibility to maintain the political equilibrium that form the basis for peace, stability and prosperity in Malaysia.
“Umno has to address demands wisely otherwise, it will affect the stability peace and harmony of the plural society in this country.
“The future of our country is dependent on the wisdom of Umno, the pillar of the Barisan Nasional (BN), a party mandated to lead the country, to balance and maintain the stability, peace and harmony.”
Muhyiddin, who is also the Umno deputy president said this in his message in conjunction with the 68th anniversary of Umno which will be celebrated tomorrow.
“Generational shift has led to the emergence of new political thinking and values such as freedom, equality and human rights that has become focus of so much debate.
He said their growing influence on the thinking and attitude of the people made it a yardstick for making correct decisions and taking political action.
“As such, Umno must not lose its direction and must be aware that the new values have tendency to bring our society to two political directions.” “Several groups want total freedom and equality thus neglecting religious values, cultures and traditions and mutual respect between races and religions form the axis of a plural society.”
On the other hand, there were those who rejected new values and considered them as threats to their religious traditions and cultures and had potential to take extreme action in defence of their values and religions.
Muhyiddin said the trust to defend the religion, race and country while maintaining the stability, peace and social harmony amidst a challenging political climate is a big test for Umno.
He urged the society, especially members, to pray that Umno remained steadfast in facing the challenges, firm in upholding its principles and remained a strong, principled and respectable party. ― Bernama
