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Wednesday November 7, 2007

PM: Umno will reject narrow views of Islam (updated, with reactions)


KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will not endorse a narrow interpretation of Islam and opposes a political culture that can disrupt the daily lives and commercial affairs of the umma (congregation), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

In his opening address at the 58th Umno General Assembly, Abdullah, also Umno President, said that the party was committed to strengthening Islam and would not apologise for doing so.

“Islam promotes moderation,” he said, adding that at the 2004 general assembly, he had laid out the 10 principles of Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam), “an approach that was understood and supported by component parties of Barisan Nasional.”

“Umno believes that Islam will not grow, nor will it be respected if it is confined to rituals. If we fight Islam, armed only with slogans and rhetoric, we will not achieve excellence,” he said, adding that Umno was also opposed to the culture of violence.

“The application of Islam through the prism of shallow minds and narrow interpretations can cause discomfort not only among non-Muslims but among Muslims themselves. Overzealous enforcement can give Islam a negative image,” he added.

Pm delivers main speech at UMNO assembly on Tuesday
The PM also noted that the failure to understand the needs of adherents of other religions and denying them their rights run counter to the spirit of the Federal Constitution.

With this in mind, calls to return to the spirit of the Federal Constitution should be viewed in a positive light, interpreted with wisdom and without prejudice.

“The Constitution must be viewed as a whole, and selected clauses cannot be interpreted in isolation or out of context,” Abdullah said.

He noted that there has been increasing concern about crime and while media reports have heightened the public’s awareness, the dramatic manner in which the news was presented gave the impression that this country was no longer safe.

“The government is aware of the problem and in both the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the 2008 Budget, a large allocation has been granted to the police.

A general view of the UMNO assembly on Tuesday
“It should be understood that the large personnel increases required by the police could not be filled overnight. It takes time to hire and train new police personnel. While this is happening, the country and society must be supportive of the police and refrain from undermining the public’s confidence in the force,” he said.

He also welcomed the rise of new media technologies that allowed information to be distributed through multiple channels, but added that there needed to be an “intelligent balance” between the need for media freedoms and political stability.

“The government wishes to see the media industry grow into an industry that is progressive and open, an industry that can carry out its responsibilities with integrity and responsibility,” he said.

As for the aspirations of the nation, Abdullah said that a country that celebrates 50 years of independence must be populated with a free people, a people who have belief and confidence in their future.

“Its people must shoulder the responsibility of defending its freedom; a people who live in harmony between communities and religions; a people who are broad minded and big hearted,” he said.

Full text of PM's speech

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Key points raised by Umno President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Opening of the 58th Umno General Assembly

Strengthening Islam
Umno is committed to strengthening Islam and will not apologise for doing so. Islam promotes moderation. During the general assembly in 2004, I laid out the 10 principles of Islam Hadhari, an approach that was understood and supported by component parties of Barisan Nasional.

Federal Constitution
Calls to return to the spirit of the Federal Constitution should be viewed in a positive light, interpreted with wisdom and without prejudice. The Constitution must be viewed as a whole, and selected clauses cannot be interpreted in isolation or out of context.

Racial and religious tolerance
We give assurance that Umno will not endorse a narrow interpretation of Islam. Umno opposes the culture of violence, we oppose a political culture that can disrupt the daily lives and commercial affairs of the ummah. Umno believes that Islam will not grow, nor will it be respected if it is confined to rituals. If we fight for Islam, armed only with slogans and rhetoric, we will not achieve excellence.

Islam and non-Muslims
The application of Islam through the prism of shallow minds and narrow interpretations can cause discomfort not only among non-Muslims but among Muslims themselves. Overzealous enforcement can give Islam a negative image. Failure to understand the needs of adherents of other religions and denying them the rights runs counter to the spirit of the Federal Constitution.

Auditor-General’s Report and ACA
I am happy with the quick action taken by the Anti-Corruption Agency and I am certain that many public servants support these actions, which protect the dignity and integrity of their profession.

The corridors of growth
When our plans succeed, it will transform the face of Malaysia. Development will not just be concentrated in major urban areas but will instead be spread to every area of our nation. This is our noble ambition.

Malays - self-confidence and the future
Worry, fear and a sense of being under threat occurs when Malays are insufficiently prepared. For as long as Malays remain unambitious, they will fear meritocracy. The feelings of inferiority, nervousness and insufficiency are poisons that have been injected into the Malay mentality since colonial times. These poisons must be removed. Malays, when given the proper guidance and fair opportunity, are prepared to compete.

Crime and security
It is caused, among others, by social problems and in some cases as a result of the influx of illegal immigrants. Media reports of crimes have heightened the public’s awareness, but the dramatic manner in which the news is presented gives the impression that this country is no longer safe.

The Government is aware of the problem and in both the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the 2008 Budget, a large allocation has been granted to the police. It should be understood that the large personnel increases required by the police could not be filled overnight. It takes time to hire and train new police personnel. While this is happening, the country and society must be supportive of the police and refrain from undermining the public’s confidence in the force.

The keris and Umno
The act of unsheathing and kissing a keris is part of our cultural heritage, but its meaning has been twisted to spread fear among non-Malays, and the image of Umno and Malaysia has been smeared overseas. On behalf of Umno’s leaders and members, I give assurance that Umno will never breach the spirit of the understanding that has been agreed with other communities at the time of Merdeka. Opportunities are available to all. There is a future for every Malaysian in this country.

The new media and press freedom
Information is now distributed through multiple channels. In this context, we must intelligently balance the need for media freedom with the basis for political stability that we have enjoyed. The Government wishes to see the media industry grow into an industry that is progressive and open, an industry that can carry out its responsibilities with integrity and responsibility.

Power sharing and Merdeka
A country that celebrates 50 years of independence must be populated with a free people – a people who have the belief and confidence in their future. Its people must shoulder the responsibility of defending its freedom; a people who live in harmony between communities and religions; a people who are broad minded and big hearted.

The National Mission
The National Mission has five main thrusts – moving the economy up the value chain; developing first class human capital; addressing persistent socio-economic imbalances; improving quality of life; and strengthening institutional capacity – all of which are universal, constant requirements for national building. The strength of our human capital will determine the success of the Mission. It will determine whether we achieve developed nation status and progress further.

Reaction to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s presidential address at the Umno general assembly on Wednesday

MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting
The Barisan Nasional spirit will remain strong in overcoming all differences, said MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.

“We will be very strong together to build the country and overcome all differences in the best interest of a multiracial society,” he said.

Ong said Abdullah’s policy speech had emphasised on power sharing and had inspired confidence.

He added the Prime Minister had reassured all Malaysians that Umno was not just for the Malays; that it would “take care” of the feelings of other races and the important policies of the Government was meant for everyone.

“The Prime Minister also guaranteed Umno would not break the Independence promise. He emphasised how important it was for all component parties, representing all the races, to work together for the sake of national interest and unity.

“I also welcome his convincing explanation on religious freedom. He stressed the speeches made by a few delegates from any party which were deemed insulting to others did not represent the leadership of the respective parties.”

Information Minister Datuk Zainuddin Maidin
“The Prime Minister has shown everyone a clear path - that leadership of this county depended on a multi-racial dimension. But no matter what, sensitivity must be exercised.”

Zainuddin added Umno had never changed its “colours” unlike certain component parties which had at times “sung the same song” along with the Opposition when it came to racial issues.

On the Prime Minister’s call to the media to regulate themselves, Zainuddin said the proposed Media Council was a workable solution.

“Some parties assume it is the Government’s intention to further muzzle the press, they are wrong. Just like the Bar Council, an Act is needed to govern what the council can, or cannot, do.”

Umno Youth Chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein
“Barisan Nasional upholds fair principles. This ensures those who take advantage and provoke racial sentiments will fail.

“The youth needs to take heed of Pak Lah’s speech, which reflects his hope for the youth in leading the country into the future.”

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon
"Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s policy speech stresses on unity and the spirit of Independence.

“He emphasised the spirit of the Constitution and Rukunegara. This is the basis for harmony and unity between races. The unity and future of our country is the responsibility of everyone and not only the leaders.”

Koh added the people should react positively to Abdullah’s statement that there was a “place” for everyone in the country.

“As long as we are united, we can make the next 50 years even more glorious,” he added.

When asked about Abdullah mentioning the keris issue in his speech, he replied it was a symbol also found on the Umno flag. Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, said Koh, had also explained the keris was used to defend everyone and not just one race.

“So, with that explanation, we should look at it positively.”

Umno Youth exco member Datuk Reezal Merican Naina Merican
The Malays need to build up their confidence by getting out of a mindset that has turned poisonous.

“The poison has weakened them. The Malays must make this jump to make this country a first-class nation.

“But it is also not just about the Malays - for the success of the country depends on all races,” he said.

Umno Youth exco member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir
“I thought it was wonderful. It covered a large spectrum of issues that we find dear to us at this particular moment when we are approaching the elections,” said Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

“Right from the beginning, he touched on Barisan Nasional’s formula of power sharing, which is a successful formula that we have been following since pre-Independence days.”

Mukhriz added Abdullah also reminded component parties in Barisan Nasional to exercise high tolerance in dealing with sensitive issues. Such issues should be discussed behind closed doors to reach a consensus.

Mukhriz was also asked if Abdullah's emphasis for moderation in Islam was owing to a rise in Islam extremism, the youth leader replied that such extremism was not only confined to Islam but found in all religions.

“We have always been taught to espouse moderation. I think the emphasis was on tolerance and working together to resolve issues,” he said.

Mukhriz added his father, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had followed the Umno general assembly proceedings from home via television.

Tenaga Nasional Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamed
“The Prime Minister mentioned a pertinent matter when he urged goverment-linked companies (GLCs) to enhance the abilities of bumiputra companies.

“The tie-up between GLCs and bumiputra companies will give them a platform not only to become better entities in Malaysia, but also in the overseas markets.

“For us, it’s important that bumiputra companies make their relationship with GLCs as a stepping-stone to become better entrepreneurs.”

PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas
“The Prime Minister emphasised on the need to help eradicate poverty and improve the quality of life for all races in Malaysia, which is a good thing.

“What he had said went along with the Barisan Nasional power-sharing and consultation concept, which should be continued at all levels.”

Parti Bersatu Sabah president and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan
“These assurances and commitment are the clearest so far coming from our national leaders. It is very significant to know that these assurances and commitment are supported and underlined by the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings.

“The wisdom of the Umno leadership (on racial unity) seems to have now permeated through to the younger generation. This is very important because the future is in their hands as it is our respective responsibility to ensure the security, safety and progress of our future.

“We cannot afford to break up, having moved this far towards Vision 2020 and our national agenda. This is the time to consolidate, as there are many challenges facing the world.

“If we reflect deeply on our respective roles and responsibilities, we should realise now is the time to work together to build our family, to rectify and repair where neccessary and to truly reflect the Malaysian family harmony.”

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