Photo: Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: No government policies can be made without Umno’s consent, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Umno deputy president and Foreign Minister said the party made its stance firm, especially when it touched on the red lines of race, religion and Malay Rulers.
“We had an agreement before joining the government. This was explained very clearly and must be respected.
“Do not take Umno for granted,” he said when winding up debates at the Umno general assembly on Saturday (Jan 17).
Tok Mat, as he is fondly known, then turned his sights on those who continuously try to stir up Umno by constantly crossing the red lines.
“Why? They are upset about us being in the government. If Umno does not agree to whatever is proposed, it irks them, what more since they did not win a single seat in the recent Sabah elections,” he said in a veiled jab at DAP, which is also part of the unity government.
He acknowledged that while Umno could be hot-headed, it must not fall for these jabs.
“If we leave the government, they are free to do whatever they want,” he added.
Mohamad told members there was no need to be afraid of DAP or those instigating the party via the term UMDAP.
UMDAP is a term coined by political opponents to poke fun at Umno working together with DAP.
"Me? I’m not scared of them. The president isn't either. Umno - if we are united, we even drove away the British and achieved independence,” he said, adding that the Youth wing was free to resolve any challenges posed to the party.
Mohamad explained that this was not calling for the Youth to blindly be at loggerheads with political opponents, but to do so rationally to keep Umno relevant with the times.
“The president and deputy do not have to deal with this. We only need our infantry.
“The Youth wing must continue to be given space because if we tie them up, Umno will topple overnight,” he said.
He then urged the Wanita and Puteri wings to continue reaching out and connecting with voters.
Mohamad said that most on-ground observations found that Umno has good prospects in many election seats, with the results however, always showing otherwise.
“Why? It’s because of internal squabbles. If we win, the party wins, and if the party wins, we can form the government.
“Focus on the party’s struggle and not that of individuals. Umno must rise and lead the government’s formation,” he said, urging the party to close ranks.
“In the corporate world, we consolidate and communicate whenever in crisis. This is what the president wants,” he said.
