KUALA LUMPUR: No government policies can be made without Umno consenting to it, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The party deputy president said Umno is resolute on the matter, especially when it touches on the red lines of race, religion and the Malay Rulers.
“We reached an agreement before joining the government. This was explained very clearly and must be respected.”
Tok Mat, as he is fondly known, then turned his sights to those who continuously try to stir up Umno by constantly crossing the red lines.
“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, who is also part of the unity government.
Umno, he said, must not fall for these jabs.
“If we leave the government, they are free to do whatever they want,” he pointed out.
Mohamad told members there is no need to be afraid of DAP or those instigating the party through the term UMDAP.
UMDAP is a term coined by political opponents to poke fun at Umno working together with DAP.
“I’m not scared of them; neither is the president.”
He also said the youth wing is free to resolve any challenges posed to the party, but stressed that this does not mean they should blindly clash with political opponents.
“This must be done rationally. 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 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, but the results often tell a different story.
“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 party members to close ranks.
