KUALA LUMPUR: Umno needs friends who are open to sharing power for a successful Malaysia, says Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said new ideas and strategies were crucial, stressing the importance of moderation and celebrating diversity.
“The Malays must share power with other parties. The reality is that Umno cannot rule alone.
“We need friends and always be open to cooperation for a successful Malaysia,” he said in his winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly here on Saturday (Aug 24).
He said Umno must also take the current dynamic political situation into account.
“Umno cannot force others to join Barisan Nasional as components. However, it does not mean we cannot cooperate closely with other parties.
“We can have many strategies but we will continue fighting for our cause,” Mohamed Khaled said.
He also said Umno had nothing to be afraid of, and that no one could scare them.
“There’s no way Umno is afraid of PAS, Bersatu or DAP.
“Yes, the road ahead is challenging and things have changed.
“Current practices are not the same but are we not a mature party?
“It’s impossible for us, with vast experience and knowledge, to fall back or be influenced by shallow politics,” he said.
He also assured members that none of the party leadership would allow Islam or the Malays to be threatened.
“The Malays must know that together with Umno, there are other instruments that are vital frontiers in protecting the rights of the Malays.
“We have the royal institution, various government institutions which are led by Malays and also the federal constitution.
“These instruments are part of the ecosystem and frontier in protecting the Malays,” he said.
“Don’t let toxic politics have any place in our society nor any quarters use religion as a political tool to scare the Malays with ridiculous imaginations,” Mohamed Khaled added.
