Umno ‘always fair to all’

By Rizalman Hammim, NST

PAGOH: Umno’s commitment to “wasatiyyah” (moderation) is the basis for the enduring co-operation in Barisan Nasional, said BN deputy chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Umno, he said, had always been fair to all, given the nation’s multiracial and multireligious society.

Muhyiddin said moderation did not equal sacrificing its principles when faced with a tough and challenging political environment.

“This is what differentiates Umno from Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in the context of the Malay and Islamic political struggle. Umno has always been consistent in defending the purity of Islam and protecting the Malays.

“Instead, Pas is willing to set aside its principles to gain support.

“Previously, they were adamant in their struggle to establish an Islamic state. Now, that issue is no longer important because they are afraid of losing the support of DAP and PKR.”

He said by sticking to the political alliance with DAP, Pas would have to sacrifice more principles.

Muhyiddin, who is deputy president of Umno, was addressing delegates attending the Pagoh Umno division meeting at Dewan Seri Pekembar here yesterday.

The deputy prime minister alluded to the increase in support for Umno and BN as evident in BN’s successes in a number of by-elections over the last year.

“It shows that the rakyat believes in the various transformation programmes undertaken by the government.

“With all these positive signs, we are confident Umno and BN will be able to win the next general election with a bigger majority. There is a feel-good factor at the national level, so the next challenge is to enhance it at the parliamentary and state constituency levels.”

He said focus should be given to efforts to strengthen the party’s position at the parliamentary and state constituency levels by organising programmes that would endear the party to the people.