“Hidup UMNO, Hidup Melayu”

October 18, 2009

www.nst.com.my( and edited for space by din merican)

Excerpts from Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s maiden Amanat Presiden at UMNO General Assembly, Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, October 15, 2009.

“Menjunjung Tradisi, Menzahir Perubahan” (Upholding Tradition, Evolving Change).

The general assembly this time around has created a history of its own…

Najib and his predecessor, Abdullah Badawi

In Bagan Pinang, we found that non-Malays were accepting UMNO with an open heart. In areas where the voters are multiracial, we want UMNO to be accepted by the people, as a party that not only struggle for the lot of Malays and Bumiputeras, but for all the ethnic groups in Malaysia.

Contributions and sacrifices of Malay Leaders

In this regard, like it or not, UMNO should be more open in its approach. UMNO should be chosen based on the principle that it is the best party, either in terms of organisation, machinery, objective or value system. If this had been the recipe of our success in Bagan Pinang recently, where we obtained a huge majority, then, I believe that by using the same recipe in other areas,we will enjoy similar or greater success, God willing.

History is the best teacher. Time and tide wait for no man. As renowned thinker George Santayana, said: “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The thing is, historical events should not only serve as a lesson but also as a reminder on how we should manage current realities and chart a better future.

It is clear that those who draw the right lesson from history can avoid committing mistakes and engaging in actions that can lead to the downfall of a country or civilisation. To enable us to chart a better future, we should have strong roots, taking in lessons learnt from history and the virtue of our value system.

Only then can we be strong in facing the future, having made a thorough preparation consistent to the demand of times. If we look back into the past, this year is a significant year not only in termsof the nation’s history but also that of UMNO’s.

Around this time 50 years ago, Malaysia began practising parliamentary democracy when the first post-independence general election was held in 1959.

Also, around this time, 40 years ago in 1969, UMNO led efforts to save the country from the brink of destruction as the consequences of the racial conflict.What is pertinent for us to know is that all these outstanding feats were captained by the leadership of UMNO who showed wisdom, creativity and innovation in their thinking.

In looking back into our nation’s history, let us not forget that after the May 13, 1969 tragedy, UMNO leaders could have chosen not to restore the suspended parliamentary democracy. UMNO could have chosen to form a one-party government or support a military coup d’e t at.

UMNO is not racist

But we should remember that UMNO chose not to do all those; on the contrary UMNO had worked fervently to restore democracy within 18 months. This clearly shows that UMNO is not power-crazy, and far from being a racist party.

Malays are an all-inclusive and all-encompassing race. If they had been a racist, it would not be possible for Malacca to become a prosperous entreport in the 15th century. In this regard, those who go about calling UMNO a racist party should look at themselves in the mirror with honesty.

They should realise the reality of the racial composition in their own parties. Does it really show the openness which they have been shouting about? If Malays are racists as claimed,we would not have compromised on the practice of ethnic cultures, the creation of national-type schools, and it would have been impossible to cooperate with other Barisan Nasional component parties for decades.

A good objective minus experience, moderation and leadership based on historical perspective, although correct, will not result in a good product and can lead to injustice and cruelty.

The glorious past and UMNO’s struggle

Based on past legends, UMNO needs to dig up and model itself after the rich traditional strategic thinking in the glorious era of the Malacca Malay sultanate. The glorious Malacca empire in the midst of two big powers, China and Siam, shows that the power of the mind can conquer all. As such, I always stress that the real battle for now and the future is the battle of the mind.

Coming back to the party struggle, for UMNO to have the support of the masses, it should be seen, regarded and trusted as a party that is capable of looking after the lot of the people. UMNO cannot be seen as a party passionate only about struggling for the interest of a small group. Instead,we want UMNO to be seen, felt and fully trusted as a party that is inclusive and that puts the interests of the people before personal interests.

The perception that UMNO is a party to make gains must be cast far, far away; it must be discarded. More importantly, UMNO should become a party whose philosophy is moderation or what political scientists describe as a centrist party.UMNO cannot be an ultra-left or ultra- right party.

UMNO is a political party for Malaysians

It is evident that UMNO is a political party for all. Everyone has a place and role under the UMNO umbrella. Since its establishment more than 60 years ago, UMNO members had come from those with left and |right ideology, nationalists as well as religionists. They include thinkers, traders, educationists and those with socio-economic background. All were welcomed into UMNO.

UMNO is not a new party but one with a rich heritage. It had covered numerous tracks and passed through many thorns. It is a gift and also a burden. We are not a party good at rhetoric but has a long record to support our promises to the people.

Like it or not, UMNO’s strength as a political organisation is dependent on its ability to understand the needs of members. UMNO’s relevance as the ruling party is dependent on how far it can catch the imagination of not only the Malays but more importantly, the Malaysian people. It means that UMNO will be the party of choice as long as the people’s needs are translated into the struggle and manifested with the formulation of government policies for the people’s benefit.

At this crossroad, problems will not arise if the UMNO aspiration and the aspiration of the majority of Malaysians are one. Problems will be created if what UMNO imagined is not representative of the majority. This is made worse by the perception by Malays that UMNO is not ready to make corrections fast. If this happens, the people will consider UUMN as not only an unrealistic party but also arrogant and uncaring. By then, don’t be surprised, if that happens, most Malaysians will consider UMNO not part of the solution but has become part of the problem.

To remain sustainable, UMNO has no choice but to be humble and embrace reality. UMNO needs to open avenues for improvement. Let us expand our struggle to all who want to help strengthen the party. Let us forget the past so that the status of this honourable race will be uplifted. At the same time, UMNO members at leadership level or ordinary members need to look inwards to correct weaknesses. It is important for UMNO members to make good behaviour and pure values as the foundation for the party’s strength.

In my opinion, what most people want in a leader is humility. Remember that in a democratic country, the people choose the leaders. They want leaders who are always willing to serve. I like to remind leaders to keep close to those at the grassroots. The people hate leaders who are arrogant and detached from them. Those who serve with honesty will become leaders who are much loved.

UMNO leaders and members should also get to know integrity when entrusted with a duty. This is important in convincing the people to continue to remain with UMNO. The negative perception on integrity and the ethics of UMNO leaders will become a major factor which will erode the people’s support.

Economic challenges

The New Economic Policy, when it was first formulated, targeted increasing Malay and Bumiputera equity ownership from 2.4 per cent to 30 per cent, in 20 years. But, until the New Economic Policy ended, the objective could not be achieved. The equity ownership of the Malays and Bumiputeras only reached 19.2 per cent.

Therefore, this objective was continued under the National Development Policy, the Vision Development Policy and now, the National Mission using approaches that are not all very different. With the passing of time, Malaysia changed direction and depended on foreign investment and exports while the country’s economy is more open and easily affected by global economic developments.

According to the 2008 World Trade Organisation report, Malaysia is the 21st biggest exporting nation in the world . The truth is, future economic challenges awaiting us will be more complicated and awesome. The world economic landscape has changed. Yesterday’s formula may not be efficacious.

So if in about four decades we failed to achieve the objective by using the same method, is it not time we think of new strategies that are more relevant with the present time and era to achieve the ambitions we dreamt of? Following this, Malays need to be aware that one reason for the achievements of the New Economic Policy was that it was implemented in the midst of established economic g rowth.

Statistics show that the average economic growth of the country from 1971 to 1990 was 7.1 per cent. So, being aware of the importance of economic growth, when Malaysia faced a slump in the mid-80s due to drops in world commodity prices, UMNO’s leadership and the country took action out of the norm.

The main elements of the New Economic Policy were put on hold to restore the national economy to the growth level. This was done by having a healthy environment for continued foreign investment, especially in manufacturing. This strategy was successful. The government’s tax revenue increased, job opportunities increased, and the countr y’s economy recovered from its slump.The result was that the implementation of the New Economic Policy could be continued.

Based on these factors, the government has started to liberalise certain sectors besides reviewing comprehensively the creation and ownership of Malay and Bumiputera wealth so that it is more established and meaningful. From another angle, it is not only UMNO that has to change and transform for the good of the country’s heirs, more importantly the Malays on the whole need to change their mindset. Today, we see how the products of the New Economic Policy feel great and thump chests that they no longer need crutches and support. They say they can stand on their on own feet without depending on government aid.

Clearly, this group forgets a larger reality. I mean, if they are really resourceful enough to throw away the crutches that supported them all this while, what about other Malays who still need help.

Is it fair that these crutches are denied to those who are qualified to receive, just because those who have already received aid are no longer dependent on it? On the whole, no one can deny that today the Malays have a large middle class.

This situation was not so when the New Economic Policy was launched in 1971. Who can deny today that there is a large number of Malay professionals who are the products of the New Economic Policy. As such, we need to understand, the issue here is not a question of aid, but a question of managing and administering the aid. The fact is, Malays seen through the overall lenses are still lagging behind and need help. That actually is the main consideration .

Service and volunteerism

We all know that UMNO was built on the philosophy of struggle, sincerity and sacrifice with a great sense of patriotism. These are the basics that all this while shouldered the party’s strength. It’s a pity that many in the current generation take lightly the difficulties of the pioneers in establishing Umno.

Learn from the earnestness and nobleness of the generations before. For example, the sincere sacrifice of the women in the party. It is written in history of mothers who took off their rings, bracelets and chains to finance Tunku (Abdul Rahman)’s delegation to London for independence talks. These are the pure and noble attributes of UMNO women since decades. These are attributes we praise highly.

I still remember stories of leaders of past who were willing to make do in moderation and weariness to struggle for the party. They say, it is not so now, what is wanted now has to be soft and luxurious. Before, when coming for the UMNO assembly, who did not know New Hotel and King Hotel in Batu Road? It would have been fortunate to enjoy Majestic Hotel. Now, if they cannot get a five-star hotel, many grumble of body pains. No standard and no class, they say.

What I am trying to put forth is where is the service and volunteering culture in UMNO? There are many professionals like lawyers, doctors, accountants and engineers who become members. Unfortunately, when we need volunteers, like in elections, very few step forward to help sincerely without seeking reward. Maybe, they did not get a places in branches or maybe their membership form disappeared along the way.

As such, I urge UMNO members to revive the service and volunteerism culture in the party. Be sincere to serve without being told in the interest of the party and Malaysians. Those who have been bestowed gifts by Allah SWT, in their lives, it is only proper to contribute back to society.

Process of Renewal

We must continue the process of renewal and make changes appropriate with the times. We must be known as a party that not only can outline changes but can make those changes happen. Going in this direction, firstly UMNO acted bravely to amend the party’s constitution to be more transparent, inclusive and democratic.

The amendments we made were not cosmetic or patchwork, rather they were significant and comprehensive. They will broaden the number of members who will be directly involved in choosing the party leadership. It will mean increasing the number of delegates from 2,500 to more than 146,000 people.This is a sign that the democratic spirit is healthy and fresh in UMNO; it is related to how the party picks candidates. Key performance indicators are very important for a political party to win elections and form a strong and stable government.

That means in choosing candidates, the individual must be a person who is accepted by the local community besides having qualities to serve at three important levels, which are the people level, the party level and the national level. In the final analysis, this is the type of candidate wanted by the people and can win elections; the party culture in UMNO must be inclusive and not insular.

More outreach programmes must be implemented. In this context, one matter must be remembered, this need not be limited to UMNO members but must be expanded to all Malays and non-Malays.

1Malaysia

If we look at history, from the beginning when patriots struggled for independence till today, efforts to achieve national unity have, are and will always be a priority. This is because everyone is aware that without solid and established unity all goals and visions may not be achieved .

Because of that, the government administration has introduced the 1Malaysia concept. 1Malaysia is not a new concept or formula. Instead, the end goal of 1Malaysia, which is national unity, was also the main vision of earlier UMNO leaders that was translated into various forms for more than five decades.

The 1Malaysia concept is based upon several pillar principles, among them a departure from unity based on tolerance to that of acceptance, social justice and shared values, taking into consideration the nation ’s historical reality and guided by the supremacy of the Constitution and Rukun Negara. Ultimately, 1Malaysia is a celebration of Malaysia’s plurality and diversity from which the country draws its strength.

The crux of it is that UMNO must continue to uphold its tradition of fighting for the people. It is because of this that UMNO will continue to champion for the welfare and livelihood of all Malaysians. I want the party’s initiatives to be in keeping with the times. UMNO can no longer be seen as a party that leans towards only one group. As the backbone of the ruling coalition, UMNO cannot afford to be regarded as focusing solely on big business initiatives or mega projects but instead should be the champion of the people.

A party for the masses

UMNO is a party for the masses which was born to champion the aspirations of the grassroots to redeem lost pride. History has proven that when UMNO is close to the people, when UMNO understands their heartbeat, the people will give their support to UMNO.

And because of this, without becoming blase, UMNO will continue the tradition of championing the cause of the people. For this year, the government led by UMNO allocated RM22 billion to cover subsidies, incentives and provide aid to lessen the burden of the people.

This was done because we had managed our finances well without having to increase or impose additional taxes. So, don’t be awe-struck and mesmerised by the opposition just because of free water and a little increase in allowance. At least remember the UMNO-led government’s deeds for decades. People say don’t forget the rain of a year just because of a day’s drought.

The fact is, whether the people realise it or not, the government has done a lot for their well-being. For example, in the transportation and energy sector, the government provided RM9 billion for petrol, liquef ied petroleum gas and diesel subsidies, RM2 billion for the cash rebate programme, more than RM600 million for toll compensation, RM150 million for electricity rates and RM45 million more for rural air transportation and east coast rail.

What is certain is that the government understands and is informed on this issue. For example, in the agricultural and food sector, the government has allocated nearly RM600 million for padi subsidies, RM400 million for rice, RM275 million for fertilisers, RM210 million for wheat flour and RM89 million for bread.

Further, because of the importance of education and knowledge for future generations, RM2 billion has been disbursed in the formof aid for schoolchildren, especially those under the poor students project, RM411 million for aid for tertiary students, RM374 million for teachers and supervisors of religious and fardu ain (Kafa) classes and takmir teachers including imam and village heads.

Besides this, the government has also allocated RM159 million for preschoolchildren and RM36 million for Orang Asli communities. The government has also not forgotten poor families, the disabled and senior citizens as it allocated RM850 million to set up a safety net for them. Apart from this, from November 1997 to August this year, the government, through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation, disbursed over RM19 billion to 1.4 million students of public and private institutions of higher learning at low interest rates. We are thankful for all these.

Since the 12th general election, UMNO’s political enemies have been predicting the party’s downfall. There are many detractors who are eager to read the talqin (last rites) to UMNO.

They say UMNO is dying. But the same prediction was also made when there was a split in UMNO which resulted in the formation of Parti Kemerdekaan Tanah Melayu and Parti Islam seMalaysia.

A similar prediction was also madein the aftermath of the May 13, 1969, incident when the Alliance government lost its two-thirds majority and many UMNO candidates lost in the election. The same was also said of UMNO after the 1987 party elections, and when Parti Melayu Semangat 46 was formed and after the 1999 general election. But despite their predictions, thanks to Allah SWT, each time UMNO rose to be stronger and more united.

UMNO’s survival

As to the results of the 12th general election, the people sent a strong message to UMNO, jolting it to its senses and making it realise the need to change.We know the people still love UMNO. They just want the party to change. The fact is, we have been listening to their wishes. And change, we shall.

What’s for sure, the party’s survival is important not for its leaders but for the race, religion, country and people. But the fact is, every generation of UMNO leaders is faced with its own challenges. God willing, we will overcome each of the challenges as a united force and with unyielding spirit. It goes without saying, the setting up of Umno was the result of the wishes of religious scholars, educationists, farmers, fishermen, business people, the meek and the people as a whole who wanted freedom and dignity.

People say, if we are united, have one aim and synergise our energies, we will able to surmount all odds. History has borne witness that UMNO people have never failed to do something because it was difficult. Instead, we succeeded in doing what seemed impossible by being strong in spirit.

Who would have thought that a race labelled as weak and not ready to be independent could succeed in wresting independence from a world power, not through armed struggle but by using the brain and the tongue, by diplomatically negotiating with the British. And then went on to make Malaysia a success story among the developing nations.

The trust placed in us cannot be shouldered by one person. It needs to be shouldered by a team, and a formidable one at that. As such, I urge and invite the deputy president, vice president, the heads of the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings, the leaders on stage and those below, those at the division and branch levels and all UMNO members, old and new, in the towns and rural areas, to rise up together with me to answer the call of our duty. Let us realise the vision of our people.

The true struggle

Believe it, that our struggle is the right struggle, that our struggle is a true struggle. We are UMNO, the one party that brings the flame of hope and is capable of charting a bright future for the people. Whatever the challenges, whatever the hurdles, with a mount of hope, we continue this journey with confidence, all dreams will be fulfilled, a drop will become an ocean, a clump will become a mountain.

Changes we will definitely bring about while upholding the tradition of our struggle. Hidup UMNO! Hidup Melayu!