UMNO DIVISIONAL MEETINGS: GHANI URGES UMNO TO RETURN TO ROOT COURSE

TANGKAK: Johor Umno chief Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman yesterday called on the party to reassert its original objective of striving for the betterment of not only the Malays but also people of all races in the country.

He said Umno members must reflect on the early struggles of the party when it was led by the party's founder, Datuk Onn Jaafar, who promoted moderate ideals for the benefit of everyone regardless of their ethnic background.

"Umno must once again be seen as a party that struggles for the benefit of the people, not only of the Malays but other races as well," he said when opening the Ledang Umno division, which is led by him, here yesterday.

"We need to remember that when we were struggling for independence, it was for all the people in the country and when we struggle for the economic development of the country, people of all the races in the country benefit from it.

"Umno must return to those roots so that we can regain the people's support and trust."
Ghani outlined four points in order for Umno to win back the trust of the people:

- The implementation of policies and strategies must benefit everyone instead of them being used by certain people for their personal benefits;

- Umno must uphold justice in its policies and conduct;

- The party must defend the rights of anyone who deserves it; and,

- Umno must defend the country's Constitution as it constitutes the basic principles for the creation of the nation.

"If we do this, then the people will support us," he said.

Ghani also called on Barisan Nasional component parties not to quickly blame Umno for their bad performance in the last general election.

"They must admit that their win in some constituencies is because of the support and co-operation of Umno."

SOURCE: NEW STRAITS TIMES, 20 OCTOBER 2008