UMNO’s position in the unity government has opened up new potential for the party, Mohamad Hasan said.

The Umno deputy president said the party must be ready to explore new, modern and progressive paths for the betterment of the country.

“We are exploring a unique, unprecedented and very unusual political collaboration, where Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) are going through an important ‘political experiment’.

“Parties that have been at loggerheads for decades no longer use their diverse and different beliefs as an obstacle to developing the country.

“Those who we felt awkward to work with as political partners no longer have those feelings as we sit together and map out the way forward for this country.

“We must move forward, open space for collaboration.

“We are cooperating with ‘new partners with different perspectives’ for the sake of a progressive, peaceful and stable country,” the Rembau MP said during his keynote speech at the joint opening of Umno’s Wanita, Youth and Puteri assemblies at the Putra World Trade Centre this evening.

Mohamad, fondly known as Tok Mat, said Umno will continue to defend Malay and Islamic rights despite being part of the unity government.

“Just because our political direction is different now, we are slandered, claiming we are turning our backs on Malays and Islam.

“Sitting in the government, where there are 19 other parties, does not mean we are not defending Malays and Islam.

“We will continue to fight for Malays and Islam, while appreciating a more diverse Malaysia,” he said.

Mohamad said Umno is a pro-progress, pro-reform and pro-democracy party, urging members to distance themselves from narrow political thinking.

He said there should be no doubts on which party the people should vote for, encouraging them to vote for the ruling party.

“We only vote and choose the ruling party. A party that can manage the country with the spirit of unity while continuing political stability,” Mohamad added. – June 7, 2023.