KUALA LUMPUR, August 23 - UMNO will undertake a large-scale effort to unite Malay non-governmental organisations (NGOs) into a movement called Rumpun Melayu.
Its president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the movement aims, among other things, to strengthen the power-sharing agenda with a focus on Malay and Islamic interests.
He called on the Malays to return to moderate politics so that members and voters are not easily swayed by the accusations and slanders of the opposition.
"I urge all Malays not to be deceived or impressed by the speech of those who are fluent in playing with words. The impact on the country's stability and harmony is significant," said Ahmad Zahid.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, delivered his keynote address to over 6,000 delegates at the 2024 UMNO General Assembly held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
Also present at the assembly were MIC President Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran; MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong; Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) President Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, and leaders from the Friends of Barisan Nasional (BN).
Ahmad Zahid also stated that UMNO hopes to become the dominant party again and be free to choose any political partner that aligns with its agenda for the empowerment of islam and the Malay community.
"We have the right to regain dominance through the path we choose ourselves. We will do it our way. This stance also ensures that the people are not held hostage by detrimental politics driven by emotions and sentiments. Although UMNO is part of the unity government, the party has never been hindered from pursuing this major ambition," he said.
Meanwhile, he said that UMNO will not go solo in the upcoming general election. This after observing that the support of UMNO members alone is not sufficient.
"Based on current data and sentiment, what advantages do we have? With the increase in new voters, can we control their perception? UMNO members alone cannot help us win. the determining factor is the voters out there as they are much larger in number," he said.
Hence, we must be brave enough to confront new ideas and diverse perspectives to remain relevant in the increasingly complex political landscape.