SEREMBAN: Those who abandoned Umno but now talk about strengthening Malay unity are only using the ummah, race and religion as commodities, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
"Today, those talking about the need for unity of the ummah (Muslims) are the same people who abandoned us," the Umno deputy president and Foreign Minister said at an iftar event here Thursday (March 27) night.
"They use terms such as the importance of uniting the ummah, religion and race, but do not practise what they are trying to preach.
"So, let’s not use these terms arbitrarily if you have your own agendas (which are) not... uniting the ummah," he said, adding that some of these quarters had even set up other political parties to replace Umno.
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Mohamad said these individuals have lost the plot.
Although he did not name specific individuals, it is believed he was responding to Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin's recent statement that his party was prepared to work with Umno so that both could achieve their political goals.
Hamzah had also said it was pointless for both parties to remain at loggerheads since they shared similar objectives.
Mohamad said those talking about uniting the ummah should be sincere.
"I have no problems if we are sincere about strengthening the ummah... but (it should not be) for personal gain," he said.
He said many Malays were disappointed with political parties because of such ulterior motives.
"Many have become non-partisan and are fence sitters.
"From my reading, they are upset with political parties," he said.
Mohamad said, however, that political parties can work together if they are sincere about strengthening the ummah.
Asked if Umno was prepared to work with its rivals in this regard, Mohamad said anything was possible in politics and such avenues can be explored if they would benefit the country.
He said parties did not need to merge to achieve this.
"A united ummah will lead to a peaceful and safe nation," he said, adding that Umno had never abandoned its struggles.
