HIS speech was generally hard-hitting but the Selangor Umno delegate’s question on whether Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was really a lembik (soft) leader, had everyone in stitches – including the Prime Minister.

“If you think he’s soft – try lah,” challenged Ampang division chief Datuk Mufti Shuib when debating the party president’s policy speech.

TICKLED PINK: Abdullah laughing at one of Mufti’s jokes at the assembly yesterday.

Abdullah’s policy speech on Wednesday, he said, was really penetrating.

The party president and the rest of the supreme council all burst out laughing at this quip.

Mufti said he was fascinated with Pak Lah, who remained cool despite coming under a lot of attack in recent times (since Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad started criticising the leader).

“Pak Lah responds very calmly. Dia masuk slow aje tapi terasa. (He goes in slow but you feel it),” he said cheekily.

Mufti said the fact that Abdullah liked to be known as just “Pak Lah” showed that the leader was a humble man.

“Never in the history of Umno have we called our other leaders “Pak”. We didn’t say Pak Onn (Onn Jaafar), Pak Hussein (Onn) or even Pak Mahathir.

“If all goes well, then “Pak Ajib” (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) will take over in due course,” he said, which had the crowd and Deputy Umno President Najib roaring with laughter.

“I believe in the leadership of Pak Lah and Pak Ajib. The two have entrenched roots in Umno as their forefathers were also active in the party.”

Mufti also spoke of how times have changed.

He said that during Independence, when the Malays passed each other, they would say “Merdeka”.

“Now when they pass each other, they ask ‘ada kontrak tak?’ (Any contracts for Government projects?),” he said, drawing more laughter.

CROWD FAVOURITE: Mufti emphasising a point when speaking to the delegates yesterday. He made it a point to slip in a joke or two.

Mufti also urged Wanita and Puteri members to marry only Umno members, saying that all would then be in one party and would die as party members.

Despite the large dose of humour and innuendos, Mufti's speech was generally hard hitting.

He urged Malays to be united under the Umno umbrella.

“For those who are not Umno members or those who had left the party, fret not.

“We will welcome you back with open arms, much like the parable of the prodigal son,” he added.

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