Umno AGM: New basis for race relations, says Najib

Malaysia needs a new basis for race relation based on a shared future, historical facts and today’s reality, said Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his presidential address at Umno’s 61st general assembly. At the same time, he said, Malaysians needed to remind themselves that the country's success was made possible through the contribution of ideas and sacrifices by various races

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs a new basis for race relations based on a shared future, historical facts and today’s reality, said Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

At the same time, he said, the new foundation must not cast aside today’s political and economic realities and future potential.

“We don’t live in utopia. We cannot run from the reality of today’s world. Ours is a country that holds fast to the constitution and the rule of law as stated in the Rukun Negara.

“The status of the Malays and Bumiputera and the rights of other races are stated clearly in the Federal Constitution.

“Thus, be wary of those dream merchants who are spinning myths, untruths and propagating racial hatred and trading on slander,” he said in his presidential address at the Umno’s 61st general assembly Thursday.

Najib, who is also Prime Minister, said the Malays were hurt when the social contract agreed upon by the forefathers of various races who had agreed to make sacrifices to gain the independence, was now being questioned.

At the same time, he said, Malaysians needed to remind themselves that the country's success was made possible through the contribution of ideas and sacrifices by various races

“The fact is, it is not due to the exclusive contribution of one race, but it is the fruits of collective labour of all races,” he said.

He said the problem started when some individuals trivialised history or when there were irresponsible people who tried to interpret history according to their narrow agenda or political interest.

Najib also said that instead of obsessing over rights, Malays of the 21st century needed to prepare themselves to make full use of their existing benefits.

“What is the use the of quotas, reserves and permits if it is wasted. What good is opportunity if it is pawned for the sake of short-term benefit,” he questioned.

Subsequently, he said Malays needed to build ability and capacity and not just “beat their chests” that they should succeed because it was their right to do so.

“Malays of this century need to face reality to succeed. We need to become glokal Malays,” he added.

He added Malays should be able to compete with the best and strongest.

“I, as Umno president do not want to accept the excuse that young Malays are still weak because of five centuries of colonisation,” he said.

He added that the battle today was one of mind and skill where whoever was knowledgable “owned the environment”.

He also said Umno would never allow Malays to be displaced in their own country.

He said the party was committed to do not only what was best but also what was right for the race.

“We cannot afford to wallow in our past glories. The fact is, we are facing challenges not only from the outside but also from those who seem to be willing to put everything at stake for the sake of power,” he said.

“Umno members cannot lose hope or be worried. Even Islam teaches us not to give up hope and as party members, we cannot afford to be continuously disappointed over losses and neither should we easily allow Umno to be destroyed.”

The party president said Umno need to go through three phases of “recovery” to enable the party to continue building the future and play its part to empower the race.

“The first and most important phase is to admit and acknowledge our problems and weaknesses. Secondly, we have to reflect and find the right and effective remedies to improve our shortcomings.

“Thirdly, we need to start working. What is important is that we go through these three phases in an orderly manner. If not, whatever plans for change and renewal will not succeed,” he said

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