Get ready to fight, says KJ

THE “war” is ahead of Umno Youth as this assembly is possibly the last before the 14th general election is held, said movement chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

As such, he said this session was where “we ring the alarm bells”.

“Keep aside ambitions in the party for now because without political power that comes in the form of a mandate from the people, all of these party positions and power are meaningless.”

Khairy said component parties should not only rely on Umno to serve the people.

“We are partners through thick and thin. Do not leave Umno to bear the heaviest burden. Let’s shoulder responsibilities together.

“Togetherness is something that we need to show in the thick of the battle and not something we quickly conjure up after victory to share the spoils of Cabinet positions. Let us all show our worth under the Barisan flag and together do our part,” he said.

He said he was aware of Umno members and supporters who still appreciate the contributions of former leaders.

“But remember, those who were once our leaders and friends are now attacking us in plain sight.

“In the political world, we are at war with (Tun Dr) Mahathir (Moha­mad), (Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin) and (Datuk Seri) Mukhriz (Maha­thir). In politics, we either kill or be killed.

“We cannot have an iota of sympathy for those who were once with us but have now turned against us.

“We are at war. We fight those who are against us. For those who no longer want to be with Umno, please leave now. Do not be an enemy within. Do not hide. Fight us face to face,” he said.

He told delegates that what lies before them was no ordinary political enemy but one that practises the art of politically possible.

Drawing on Dr Mahathir’s once famous phrase “Melayu mudah lupa” (Malays forget easily), Khairy took a swipe at the former leader, saying that the elder statesman’s actions now epitomised his own words.

Through “then and now” videos, Khairy said Dr Mahathir had openly criticised the same people he now shared a stage with.

“Back then, he dismissed Bersih, assailed (George) Soros, accused Anwar (Ibrahim) with various allegations. As that leader said, Melayu mudah lupa, Melayu mudah lupa, Melayu mudah lupa,” he said as the delegates chanted the same phrase.

Khairy recited a poem to show that the Malays do not forget easily.

“The Malays in this hall remember your sacrifices. The Malays in this hall respect your contributions.

“But we also remember your hypocrisy; we also remember your dictatorship, your weaknesses. We remember all the leaders you insulted.

“But what we remember most, what the Malays in the hall will keep reminding ourselves is your betrayal against this party’s struggle, your desire to destroy Umno.

“We will always remember your contribution Tun. However, your betrayal and desertion, we shall fight it till the end,” he said.