Opening session: Mohamad speaking at the opening of the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings’ meeting at Dewan Merdeka at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. — Muhammad Shahril Rosli/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Warning coalition partners that there will be no compromise on fundamental issues, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan says any political cooperation with Umno must never be construed as a licence to dilute the party’s founding principles.
The Umno deputy president described Umno’s stand on the special position of the Malays, the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers and the sanctity of Islam as “firm and clear”, adding that the party will continue to fight and defend them.
He also cautioned all parties against crossing Umno’s “red lines”.
“I would like to warn our partners in the unity government; do not assume that because we sit in the same Cabinet, Umno has lost its fangs,” he said.
Mohamad, who is fondly known as Tok Mat, said the party was not formed to be apologetic in defending the rights of the Malays.
“We can share power, but we will not put our dignity at stake,” he said when opening the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings’ meeting last night.
He said the warning was not mere empty rhetoric delivered at the Umno General Assembly, and the “red lines” were not simply slogans to stir emotions.
“They ask me, ‘Tok Mat, Umno talks bravely, but when it is in government, why does the party remain silent?’
“More painfully, some accuse us of being obedient followers who can easily be bullied. Tonight, I want to put an end to that perception,” he added.
He cited several instances in which Umno had raised objections, including its opposition to the Urban Renewal Bill and the implementation of local council elections.
“There are certain parties that are eager to implement local council elections, supposedly in the name of democracy.
“But Umno looks further ahead. We are aware of the risks of racial polarisation in urban areas.
“We know that if this were implemented, an imbalance of power would occur and the harm would outweigh the benefits,” he said.
“Umno opposed it openly and unequivocally. As a result, the plan was discontinued. Who stopped it, if not Umno?”
On the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers, Mohamad said the royal institution was not merely symbolic but served as the umbrella of the nation’s sovereignty.
“Those who act insolently, mock or manipulate sentiments to undermine the dignity of the Malay Rulers must realise that they are playing with fire,” he said.
He also gave assurance that “as long as Umno is here, the bumiputra economic agenda will continue to be strengthened”.
“Look at all of our revered institutions; Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has not been touched.
“The National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun) and Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) continue to be safeguarded and have their investment funds increased. This is the true Umno,” said Mohamad.
Regarding future youth voters, he pointed out that they did not grow up during the era of Barisan Nasional.
“What they see on TikTok is mostly filled with slander and false accusations.
“A 25-year-old, working for Grab or foodpanda, is not preoccupied with Umno’s achievements 40 years ago,” he said.
“My order to our members is clear: stop selling history. Start selling the future. The young vote based on hope for the future.”
