Don’t be shy to defend Malay rights, Umno members told

(Bernama) — Umno members should not be timid or reluctant to defend Malay rights which are enshrined in the Federal Constitution, just to care for the feelings of the other communities, said Sabah Umno delegate Datuk Seri Mohd Salleh Tun Said.

He said the public must be explained on the special position of the Malays and other Bumiputeras as well as the interest of the other races as stipulated in the Federal Constitution in order to avoid confusion.

“If we are afraid of fighting for our rights in our own country, where else can we do it? The laws are clear, the Constitution is also clear, so what are we waiting for? We should not be shy to fight for the rights of our own community.

“I’ve observed that sometimes in championing issues, we could be shy and reticent. We’re scared that we might hurt other people’s feelings. But when our feelings are hurt, does anybody care?” he said when debating on the party president’s policy speech at the Umno General Assembly 2010, here, today.

Mohd Salleh said Sabah was impressed and proud of Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his courage in defending Malay rights in light of the issue currently being much talked about and debated by the public.

He also commended Najib’s policy speech as he said, the prime minister could clearly interpret Sabah’s spirit in joining Umno and Barisan Nasional in the interest of the people and nation.

“We listened intently to the president’s speech and we feel that there is honesty in struggling for the lot of the people, for the religion and nation. If that is our struggle, then let’s all struggle together,” he said.

Mohd Salleh also hoped that Umno leaders would be more aggressive in voicing their views on current issues which were always manipulated by the opposition to create confusion among the public.

“We must not be weak and meek. We have to face them (opposition) and convince the people that we are better than the opposition,” he said.