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Published: Sunday September 23, 2012 MYT 4:25:00 PM
Updated: Sunday September 23, 2012 MYT 5:19:19 PM

Close ranks and be prepared, Hishammuddin urges Umno divisions


KUANTAN: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has urged all party divisions to immediately resolve any conflicts between them, cautioning that failure to do so could prevent a major win for Barisan Nasional in the upcoming general election.

"Like it or not, this is the time to close ranks. If we don't do it now, we may face the same fate as that being experienced by some countries in the Middle East, who are fighting among themselves due to politics," he said after opening the Indera Mahkota Umno delegates meeting here Sunday.

Hishammuddin, who is also the Home Minister, said there should also be no envy over the selected candidates later and everyone must fully support them for the sake of the party and country.

He advised Umno members to be prepared for all kinds of issues, such as personal attacks and criticism, which would be raised by the Opposition during the polls.

"As we approach the 13th general election, the Opposition will raise many issues such as race, religion and personal attacks, so we must be fully prepared to handle them.

"The culture of hate and divide politics with which the Opposition tries to influence the people could spread if not controlled, so we must reject such politics as it does not help the nation," he added.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin expressed hope that due consideration would be given to the ministry's recommendation to strengthen the national security force, particularly the police, in Budget 2013 to be tabled this Friday.

"Additional personnel is important for the continuation of the police's success in reducing the crime rate, which is also a part of the Government's National Key Result Area," he added.

Apart from additional personnel, the ministry also plans to widen the involvement by other parties in eradicating crime such as the People's Volunteer Corps and Civil Defence Department, he said. - Bernama

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