KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should give the unity government a chance in carrying out its plans for the country, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said Putrajaya is aware of criticisms that this government has not done much to become the game changer.
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He pointed out that the government is in its infancy, having been formed just seven months ago, after the 15th General Election.
“Give this government a chance to roll out the agendas that it has promised and planned.
“I believe it can all be implemented with the help and support from civil servants who uphold the principles of loyalty and service to the government of the day,” he said in his policy speech at the Umno general assembly on Friday (June 9).
Ahmad Zahid said while some civil servants might be inclined to certain past leaders, the government was confident to get the civil servants on board for the wellbeing of the people and the country.
Ahmad Zahid said Umno has a crucial role in defending the nation’s foundations so that the position of Islam and the bumiputra, as well as Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, is upheld and never disputed.
Article 153 of the Federal Constitution touches on the special rights of the Malays and the bumiputra community in the country.
He also said Umno has to ensure that its new political cooperation is based on the interest of the people.
Despite being continuously labelled as a racist party, Umno has proven to be a moderate and pragmatic movement, said the president.
“Since Umno fought for the nation’s independence, it has always held on to its moderate approach,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He then trained his guns at PAS, accusing the Islamist party of abusing Islamic and Malay issues to their own benefit.
“They (PAS) will change their mask according to the situation. To them, Malay and Islam is just a mask used in political performances.
“That is why I’m urging all Umno members not to feel apologetic when we speak out on issues concerning Islam, Malays and bumiputra,” said Ahmad Zahid.
Ahmad Zahid also spoke about Islamic development agendas under the unity government, among them a RM1.5bil allocation to the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim), RM150mil to the National Tahfiz Policy, among others.
“As the Umno representatives in the Cabinet, we will ensure that the agenda to develop Malays will be strengthened,” added Ahmad Zahid.
