UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today urged his members to build a more progressive party with fresh ideas to face the opposition’s toxic politics.

He said the opposition seeks to divide the nation with racist and extreme religious sentiments.

“The enemy continues to instil feelings of hatred and prejudice in the minds of the people, especially our youth, who are eager to fulfil their democratic responsibilities,” he said on Umno’s 77th anniversary.  

“This game of perception is played all the time until it forms a dangerous reality in people’s thoughts and lives.

“Politics of value, efforts to build the country and get it on a solid economic foundation are all put aside and replaced with hatred and bitter revenge.”

In his speech, Zahid said the propagandists are fullly aware of the ill effects of their rhetoric.  

“They are deliberately choosing to turn a blind eye and let our young people continue to be swayed to turn their backs on the spirit of unity.

Zahid said Umno’s role in the unity government is an opportunity for the party to shoulder the responsibility of governing the country and prove its ability to lead the people.

“The way we build the country needs to be more efficient, dignified and with integrity.

“We support the values of respect and mutual responsibility between us and our friends in the unity government.

“We take a rational stance and recognise that we can move along, not only in terms of the values we share together, but also in determining the best direction for Malaysia.”

He said the 2022 general election showed that democracy is not a gift but the right of the people.

“Democracy can only be achieved through the struggle of the people.

“Let us succeed in the new political governance that is mature and fresh so that Umno becomes a disciplined party.

“Put the interests of the party before the interests of individuals and prove to the people that this party is for the people.” – May 11, 2023.