Pak Lah warns about BN’s crisis of integrity

(The Malaysian Insider) – Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today told Umno to vote in a credible leadership, saying Barisan Nasional was facing a crisis of integrity.

“There is a crisis of integrity in Umno, and also in fellow parties within the Barisan Nasional,” Abdullah said bluntly when addressing party delegates at a closed door meeting.

The outgoing Umno president spent just 30 minutes speaking to the delegates, saying this was the most important issue afflicting the party.

“We have to show that Umno can be depended on to improve and bring progress to Malaysia,” he said, adding “We cannot disappoint the people.”

Pointing out that Umno  elections are crucial to the party and country, Abdullah called on delegates to vote wisely.

“The new leadership must be respected and inspire the rest of Malaysia,” the Prime Minister said.

“It depends on us, no one else,” he warned delegates who only filled half of the cavernous Dewan Merdeka at the Putra World Trade Centre.

The 69-year-old Umno leader also advised the delegates that party interests came first and told them to reduce infighting as it would lead to the party’s loss.

“We must avoid shooting ourselves in the foot,” he emphasised in English, adding Umno members spent more time devising strategies to destroy opponents rather than solving the country’s economic problems.

“Only Umno can weaken Umno.

“Others can only look for such opportunities.”

He said Umno has to ensure that it remains the first choice as the country’s leadership and not the second or third choice.

“So I hope the delegates carry out their responsibilities with a pure heart for the party’s future.

“We must show that Umno is relevant and capable of leading Barisan Nasional,” he added.

“This is what I want to say. If we want to to reform, it is not just lipservice but total reform starts within ourselves, our hearts.

“Jangan cakap tak serupa bikin,” Abdullah quoted a popular Malay saying.

He said Umno is passing on to another generation and these heirs must be those who can add value to the party’s struggle, its success and who will add confidence in the party.

Umno leaders who attended the closed-door briefing said Abdullah’s message was blunt and timely.