Full speech by Umno president
- From: pluto <pluto@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:05:49 +0800
Wednesday November 7, 2007
MYT 10:38:30 PM
Full speech by Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi opened the Umno General Assembly
this morning at the Putra World Trade Centre. The following is the full text of
his opening address.
?STRENGTHENING CONFIDENCE ? VENTURING INTO A NEW ERA?
Alhamdulillah, with God?s will, we are convene for the 58th UMNO General
Assembly.
2. Our assembly this year takes place in the glow of the 50th Merdeka
celebrations. This is also our first assembly for the next 50 years. Beginning
the first national elections, UMNO, as part of the Alliance and subsequently
Barisan Nasional, has formed the national government based on the principle of
power sharing. It also spearheaded the drive towards independence.
3. The Malayan Government, considered to be lacking in experience, faced myriad
challenges. Twelve years after independence, the nation was riven by racial
riots that threatened its survival. Thanks to mutual understanding and a strong
spirit of cooperation, we overcame this test. That dark time in our history
became a valuable lesson that taught us the need to strengthen our unity.
4. In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Government introduced three major
measures. First, the Rukun Negara was introduced as a national ideology to
ensure national unity and safeguard the integrity of the nation. Second, the New
Economic Policy was designed to develop our economy based on fair and equitable
growth. Finally, the Barisan Nasional was introduced as an effective and
inclusive political vehicle. The implementation of these three measures has
brought success, guaranteed our survival and brought us the prosperity that we
enjoy to this day.
5. Today, Barisan Nasional enjoys the support of the majority of Malaysians. We
have formed the government continuously for 52 years. This achievement is
testament to the party?s wise leadership and its committed membership. It is
also the result of the cooperation we have formed with non-Malay communities, on
the basis of power sharing and mutual understanding ? an action plan that is
realistic and pragmatic, giving priority to nation building and the welfare of
the people.
ACHIEVEMENT OVER 50 YEARS
6. UMNO has done more than merely lead the government for 52 years. It has
succeeded in building Malaysia into one of the most successful nations in the
world, with an average growth rate of 6.3 percent per annum over fifty years.
When we gained our independence, we ranked among the poorest countries in the
world. Now, we are classified as a high human development index nation.Our
nominal per capita income is RM20,900 ? a 26 fold increase from the time of
Merdeka.
7. The Government?s policy of encouraging private sector growth has resulted in
total trade exceeding RM1 trillion for the first time earlier this year. We have
recorded a positive balance of payments for 109 consecutive months.Our foreign
reserves are now USD98.2 billion. Stock market activity is active and the Kuala
Lumpur Composite Index has reached historic heights, touching 1413 points.
Malaysia is recognized by the World Economic Forum as the fifth most competitive
country in Asia.
8. These achievements are the result of our willingness to work hard. With the
commitment of party members and the solid backing of the people, with the
understanding of the public sector and in partnership with the private sector, I
am confident that our competitiveness and productivity will continue to improve.
STRENGTHENING ISLAM
9. UMNO is committed to strengthening Islam and will not apologise for doing so.
Islam promotes moderation. During the General Assembly in 2004, I laid out the
ten principles of Islam Hadhari, an approach that was understood and supported
by the component parties of Barisan Nasional. This proved that the approach to
Islam as promoted by UMNO is fair.
10. Calls to return to the spirit of the Federal Constitution should be viewed
in a positive light, interpreted with wisdom and without prejudice. The
Constitution must be viewed as a whole, and selected clauses cannot be
interpreted in isolation or out of context. The Constitution provides that Islam
the official religion of the Federation but there is freedom to practice other
religions.
11. Guided by the spirit of the Constitution, Malaysians of different religions
must exercise mutual respect. Islam exhorts Muslims to respect the followers of
other religions as stated in verse 108 of surah Al-An? aam:
And do not revile those (beings) whom they invoke instead of God, lest they
revile God out of spite, and in ignorance.
(al ? An?aam:108)
12. It must be stressed that every action will cause a reaction. The disrespect
and extremism shown by one party will elicit a similar response from another
party. Violence by one side will breed violence from the other. Therefore, if we
want our religion to be respected and understood, let us, in UMNO, show
exemplary behaviour by respecting the followers of other religions and their
needs.
13. We give assurance that UMNO will not endorse a narrow interpretation of
Islam. UMNO opposes the culture of violence, we oppose a political culture that
can disrupt the daily lives and commercial affairs of the ummah. Islam must not
be downsized to fit the needs of a political organisation.Islam cannot become
the exclusive domain of any single group.
14. UMNO believes that Islam will not grow, nor will it be respected if it is
confined to rituals. If we fight for Islam, armed only with slogans and
rhetoric, we will not achieve excellence. Indeed, the application of Islam
through the prism of shallow minds and narrow interpretations can cause
discomfort not only among non-Muslims, but among Muslims themselves. Overzealous
enforcement can give Islam a negative image. Failure to understand the needs of
adherents of other religions and denying them their rights runs counter to the
spirit of the Federal Constitution.
As for such (of the unbelievers) as do not fight against you on account of
(your) faith, and neither drive you forth from your homelands, God does not
forbid you to show them kindness and to behave towards them with full equity:
for verily, God loves those who act equitably.
(al-Mumtahanah: 8)
15. Islam must be explained to its followers, but also to non-Muslims. Islam
must be identified as a religion that dispenses justice, prohibits inequity and
rejects violence. There is nothing wrong with Islam, the error lies in the
misguided actions by those who fail to interpret Islam and those who fail to
practice it with open minds and rational thought. Muslims should concentrate on
building on what makes Islam attractive. The Government?s stand is that Islam
will be respected if it develops intellectual excellence, emphasises the pursuit
of knowledge and concentrates on attaining economic success.
16. We have received international acknowledgement for our success in developing
the Islamic financial system and in building a Halal hub, and these efforts are
no less important that our individual obligations, our fardu ain. These efforts
illustrate that Islam is contemporary and relevant in the modern economy. In
fact, research in economy, science and technology are encouraged. We should give
priority to these pursuits, instead of wasting time on polemics and rhetoric
about rituals. Islam and the Ummah will be developed more quickly when Muslims
can show excellence in the economy, science and technology.
17. Malaysia has continued to take great strides on become a premier global
Islamic centre. In the Islamic Capital Markets, Malaysia accounts for two thirds
of the world?s Islamic bonds, amounting to USD47 billion. In line with the
Malaysian International Islamic Finance Centre (MIFC) initiative, Malaysia has
liberalised the Islamic finance sector to encourage the participation of foreign
institutions in banking, capital markets and takaful. In addition, we have taken
a leadership role in establishing institutions such as the Islamic Financial
Services Board and the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance
(INCEIF). The IFSB, which has a membership of 125 countries, works to coordinate
regulations and standards internationally, whereas INCEIF is a university-level
institution that develops human capital to meet the needs of the Islamic finance
sector.
18. Malaysia is also committed to becoming a world class halal hub. The
Government has been active in promoting the products and services of Halal
Malaysia while strengthening its Halal certification. Our commitment is shown
through the establishment of the Halal Industry Development Corporation to
spearhead and coordinate a variety of initiatives. Malaysians, particularly
Muslims should not forgo opportunities in the halal industry, which can
potentially yield substantial returns. The size of the global halal market is
RM2 trillion and there are more than 1.8 billion Muslims in the world. In
addition, it is a communal obligation, a fardu kifayah for us to raise the
status and increase the usage of halal products and services.
GOVERNMENT LINKED COMPANIES
19. In order for Government Linked Companies (GLCs) to achieve their objectives,
the Government introduced a GLC Transformation Programme on 14 May 2004. Their
consequent success has been tremendous.The market capitalisation of the top 20
GLCs has increased by 74 percent to RM253 billion and has had a significant
positive impact on the performance of the performance of Bursa Malaysia. The
companies involved have shown tangible improvements in their financial results
and the restructuring of their operations. Some have strengthened themselves
through acquisitive growth, some have successfully ventured overseas. The gains
made by GLCs have bolstered investor confidence domestically and
internationally.
20. The improved performance of GLCs benefits many people. Funds such as the
Employee Provident Fund, Lembaga Tabung Haji and Permodalan Nasional Berhad,
that all hold substantial shareholdings in many GLCs have received increased
returns, which are distributed to deposit holders and investors in the form of
dividends and bonuses. To illustrate, since the transformation process began,
dividends declared by Lembaga Tabung Haji have risen from 4.3 percent in 2003 to
4.75 percent last year. Similarly, EPF have declared higher dividend rates ?
from 4.75% in 2004 to 5.15% in 2006.
21. As corporations with ties to government, GLCs must understand national
aspirations. GLCs must jointly shoulder the responsibility of developing a
Bumiputera Commercial and Industrial Community, creating a vendor system and
creating effective partnerships with Bumiputera enterprises. There is no
conflict between being profit oriented and developing Bumiputera capacity in the
economy. Today, there are many Bumiputera individuals and corporations that
possess skill and capability.There is no reason for them to be excluded.We
should not exclusively put our trust in foreign companies and experts. 22. GLCs
should be at the vanguard of efforts to enhance the abilities and credibility of
Bumiputeras. GLCs must play a role to catalyse the transfer of technology from
overseas to local and Bumiputera firms. I am proud of what the GLCs have
achieved. I will be prouder still when GLCs play an active role in expanding the
Bumiputera Commercial and Industrial Community and accelerating the transfer of
technology to local companies. Their success story will be complete when GLCs
can complement their role in economic development by contributing to Bumiputera
socioeconomic programs.
PUBLIC SERVICES
23. The civil service is the prime mover of the government, covering every
aspect of national development ? from the economy to education to security.
Indeed, an efficient civil service is critical in translating the vision of the
Government into tangible benefits for the people. The Government will continue
to take steps to improve the quality of the public service. The recent pay rise
was one such measure. The introduction of service contracts and key performance
indicators for secretaries general and heads of key agencies will also increase
the level of accountability in the public sector.
24. The Government values the important role that is played by the Civil
Service. That is why the Government agreed to raise civil service salaries, a
rise that involves an additional annual emolument of RM8 billion. The Government
views this substantial expenditure as a long term investment to ensure that the
civil service continues to retain the best talent, capable of offering the
highest standards of service.
25. Some improvements have already taken place. Following the establishment of
flying squads, 98 percent of the backlog of land dealings since 2001 has been
cleared. Now, tax returns can be filed through the internet and tax refunds via
the ?e-filing? system are made within 30 days. The issuance of passports and
identity cards, which used to take two weeks, is now done within a day. The
approval of building plans are now given within 142 days and Certificates of
Completion and Compliance are issued within 134 days, a vast improvement on the
length of time it took to issue Certificates of Fitness.
26. There are clearly weaknesses that must be remedied before we can attain the
excellence to which we aspire. But importantly, we are now committed to change
and prepared to make the necessary corrections. Improvements will be continue to
be made to increase efficiency and improve the delivery system. The
establishment of the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business or PEMUDAH has
had a direct impact in increasing the competitiveness of the business
environment.
27. The response to the Auditor General?s Report is proof that a dynamic change
is taking place. It is a clear illustration of the power and capability of the
relevant agencies to monitor and enforce. The stand of the Government is that
frank reports such as the one prepared by the Auditor General will make the
improve integrity and efficiency in the civil service. I am happy with the quick
action taken by the Anti Corruption Agency and I am certain that many public
servants support these actions, which protect the dignity and integrity of their
profession.
28. In this connection, I want the civil service to always realize that their
purpose in to serve the public ? primarily the poor, the uneducated, and those
without rank or position. This is the biggest and most important constituency.
They must be treated with friendliness and respect. The power of administration
must be given to speed up processes, not slow them down, especially for the
powerless.
DEVELOPING GROWTH CORRIDORS AND TAPPING NEW POTENTIAL
29. The development corridor concept is a new approach aimed at generating
comprehensive and widespread economic development. The nation?s development
would be unbalanced if growth was solely concentrated in urban areas. Our cities
would become overcrowded, while rural Malaysia would be neglected. The
regionally based growth corridors will tap new potential and elevate efforts to
eradicate poverty. More importantly, each corridor exploits unique local
characteristics and natural competitive advantages. For example, the Northern
Corridor will concentrate on agriculture and tourism will feature prominently in
the East Coast and in Sabah.
30. The development corridors also adopt a new approach by involving the private
sector more actively in development plans. For example, it has been reported
that 70 percent of industrial areas within the Northern Corridor remain unused
due to lack of demand.Therefore, we have ensured that the private sector is
directly involved in the planning and implementation of the Corridors. This is
to ensure all investments are commercially oriented and can generate appropriate
returns, apart from delivering the benefits of development to the people.
31. The launch of the Iskandar Development Region (IDR) on 4 November 2006
ushered a new era in the country?s development. It has been designed to become a
services hub, principally in the areas of creative arts, education, health care,
financial and consulting services, tourism and logistics. It is expected to
propel the southern Johor region to become a dynamic metropolis.
32. Both the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), covering Perlis, Penang,
Kedah and northern Perak and the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), which
encompasses Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the district of Mersing in Johor
will feature a variety of sectors, aimed at eradicating poverty and improving
the quality of life of the people and to eradicate poverty. We also want to
ensure that the progress is distributed to the whole of the country, including
the states in East Malaysia. In this connection, development corridors in Sabah
and Sarawak will be established to take into account the needs and aspirations
of the two states. Eradication of poverty will be the main focus of these two
corridors.All these corridors are aimed at improving the lives of the people by
ensuring that they taste the fruits of success.
33. The philosophy behind the development corridors is that no one should be
left behind. Economic sectors and geographical regions that are currently
lagging behind will be developed quickly.Additional income and new sources of
income will be generated and new sources of wealth will be harvested. When our
plans succeed, it will transform the face of Malaysia. Development will not just
be concentrated to major urban centres, but will instead be spread to every area
of our nation.This is our noble ambition.
34. There are fears that these development corridors, especially the Iskandar
Development Region will threaten the future of the Malays. To me, this is an
antiquated view. Perhaps in the past, we were laggards in our own land. This is
not the case now. We now have many Malays who are well educated and have become
doctors, lawyers, accountants and even astronauts. A class of Malay managers,
capable of successfully running businesses has emerged. Therefore, the
presumption that the IDR will harm Malays is an insult to the ability of Malays
to compete on the global stage. Through Yayasan Hartanah Bumiputera and other
agencies, qualified Malay entrepreneurs will be given ample opportunity to
participate in the development of IDR.
35. The NCER has been well received by the people of the North. Similarly, the
ECER has elicited a positive response from the people on the East Coast,
including the PAS government in Kelantan. Our efforts are evidence of the
Government?s sincerity in bringing development to all parts of the country. We
put aside politics to improve the quality of life of the people and to lift them
out of poverty. The economic corridors are part of the Government?s national
agenda ? proof of the determination of the Barisan Nasional government to
develop the entire nation for the well being of the people.
36. These development corridors should be seen as a larger plan to vault every
Malaysian ? Malays especially ? to greater prosperity. In the past, we have been
speaking about towering Malays ? and this is what we want ? Malays who are
unafraid to take on the world. We will never sacrifice the interest of
Malaysians and Malays. The investment that we will attract from all over the
world will accelerate our economic growth and the benefits will be enjoyed by
all. And we will provide the necessary facilitation and encouragement in order
to enable all Malays who want to compete in these Corridors the ability to do
so.
37. In the Corridors, agriculture in Malaysia will be given a new face and a
fresh approach. Structural changes will be introduced, especially to allow
greater Malay participation in the supply chain. Malay farmers are still
restricted to harvesting primary products. Their work is labour and time
intensive, but yields low value returns. Agriculture encompasses so much more
than this ? it involves the provision of quality seedlings, modern equipment,
technology, transportation, packaging and branding, wholesaling, retail, to name
a few components. Today, the supply chain is not yet controlled by Malays, much
less Malay farmers. The Government will work towards effecting a transformation
from traditional agriculture to modern agriculture, which through the use of
biotechnology and ICT sector will be more productive and profitable. Through
this new approach, the agriculture sector will have a direct impact on our fight
against poverty and will increase people?s incomes.
DEVELOPING HUMAN CAPITAL AND ACHIEVING POTENTIAL
38. The development of quality human capital is critical to build
competitiveness and to achieve national development goals. As a developing
nation, Malaysia faces many competitive pressures and challenges in the 21st
century. In the current environment, success comes to those who value-add
themselves. This is true for individuals, corporations and nations. To realise
our country?s aspirations, a substantial effort must be made to develop human
capital and consequently enhance our competitiveness, productivity and capacity
to innovate.
39. Our youth are like unpolished gemstones. They will inherit our nation and
will determine its fortunes in the years ahead. They must possess intellectual
capacity, knowledge and culture .They must possess physical well-being and
strong morals.Our youth must be prepared to lead our nation to greater heights.
40. We are currently effecting a quantum leap to develop human capital, and
increase our productivity and innovation, so that we can attain developed nation
status by 2020. We are transforming our education system at all levels ? from
pre-school to higher education.It is a complex task that involves many
stakeholders. The Education Development Blueprint, 2006 ? 2010 that was launched
on 16 January 2007 provides the strategy and guidance to deliver quality basic
education that is relevant to present needs.
41. Since the pre-Merdeka era, national schools have been conceived as the
instrument to educate a multiracial population. This remains our objective.
National schools will be strengthened to become the school of choice for all
communities. Rural schools will be given quality teachers as well as
infrastructure and facilities that compare will urban schools. Schools will
excel in academic performance, co-curricular activities and sports. Cluster
schools will become the benchmark in our drive to build a quality education
system.
42. The Higher Education Strategic Plan was launched on 27 August 2007. The Plan
forms the basis for the development of higher education until 2020. Through the
Plan, the transformation of higher education will be sparked, in consonance with
national development aspirations. It is the wish of Government for institutions
of higher education to create an atmosphere that is competitive, premised on
performance and meritocracy. Institutions of Higher Education must be able to
produce graduates that will attract employers in the global marketplace. These
institutions should also produce quality research that possesses high commercial
value.
43. We have taken steps, among them providing more autonomy to Public
Institutions of Higher Education in order to make them more efficient and
effective. Audits of academic performance will be carried out to determine
ratings for each institution. We have also embarked on a programme to develop an
?apex? university.
44. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in generating
economic growth. They need human capital that is trained with the relevant skill
sets. Technical and vocational training will be structured to meet the needs of
industry.
45. Religious schools are also instructed to provide variety in their curriculum
and broaden their scope. Students in these schools will be supplied with
knowledge, experience and skills that enable them to meet the human capital
needs in a globalised economy that puts a premium on knowledge.
46. I want to see UMNO members turn the human capital development program into a
jihad ? for the party, for their families and for themselves. Each UMNO member
must set a target to create a group of Malay professionals and technocrats. Each
member must ensure that their children are enrolled in institutions of higher
education.
BUILDING SELF CONFIDENCE, ERADICATING POVERTY
47. In 2020, it is important for Malays not to be left behind, marginalized in a
nation that is already developed. We are working hard to avert this outcome.
48. Worry, fear and a sense of being under threat occurs when Malays are
insufficiently prepared. For as long as Malays remain unambitious, they will
fear meritocracy. The feelings of inferiority, nervousness and insufficiency are
poisons that have been injected into the Malay mentality since colonial times.
These poisons must be removed.Malays, when given the proper guidance and fair
opportunity, are prepared to compete.
49. We have been independent for 50 years. Malays in the modern day are prepared
to work hard. Many are prepared to compete globally. We should not be
underestimated.We will equip Malays to take the nation to a higher level over
the next 50 years. Let us aspire to greater heights and believe in our own
abilities. Let us endeavour with the full confidence that Allah will bestow
victory to those with armed with noble intentions, are willing to work hard and
are prepared to change. God did not create Malays to be weaker or less
intelligent than other peoples. The name of the first Malaysian to go into space
is Sheikh Muszaphar ? a Muslim and a Malay, chosen by the selection panel in
Russia from a large, multiracial pool of candidates. Today, Malays have master
many professions, lead many organizations and head many institutions. The
success of this nation is a testament to the wisdom and greatness of Malay
leadership.
50. The Malay community must create a critical mass of educated and skilled
Malays, so that we can contribute more effectively in a variety of economic
sectors. Intrepid Malays will be able to see the New Economic Policy from a
perspective that will no longer alarm non-Malays. We should champion the
fulfilment of the objectives of the NEP, ensuring the development of deep
professional and middle classes among the Malays, so that Malaysian society is
no longer divided by profession. The NEP was never intended to rob anyone?s
rights. Although it has been 37 years since the introduction of the NEP, we have
not made Malays rich by seizing the wealth of the non-Malays. The list of the
richest individuals in Malaysia is still led by non-Malays. All parties should
work towards achieving the objectives of the NEP.
51. In our quest to balance racial composition in the private and public
sectors, let us not forget the other important goal of the NEP ? eradication of
poverty. The country will not achieve true peace and harmony while we have large
numbers of poor living among us. Poverty can cause political instability, street
demonstrations, high rates of crime and serious social problems.Poverty
eradication programs are for all ? irrespective of race or religion. Capacity
building and value adding through effective education programs will elevate
people from poverty. Poverty eradication programs will be given intensive
attention in the second half of the Ninth Malaysia Plan.We hope that in the not
too distant future, the term ?poverty? will be obsolete ? a word only to be
found in dictionaries. Elected representatives must give high priority to
poverty eradication ? their success in doing so in their respective
constituencies will be one of their key performance indicators.
OVERCOMING FEARS
52. Society is currently faced with a number of fears, among them: crime and
inter-religious and communal issues. Crime in Malaysia is caused, among others
by social problems and in some cases as a result of the influx of illegal
immigrants. Media reports of crimes have heightened the public?s awareness, but
the dramatic manner in which the news is presented gives the impression that
this country is no longer safe. Higher crime rates and the approach taken by the
media will affect the nation?s image. The Government is aware of the problem and
in both the Ninth Malaysian Plan and the 2008 Budget, a large allocation has
been granted to the Police. It should be understood, however, that the large
personnel increases required by the Police cannot be filled overnight. It takes
time to hire and train new police personnel. While this is happening, the
country and society must be supportive of the Police and refrain from
undermining the public?s confidence in the force.
53. Maintaining security is a responsibility of the Government, one which can be
carried out more effectively with the support of the public. Tackling social
problems such as drug abuse, smuggling, human trafficking requires the
cooperation of all parties. The spirit of ?citizen patrols? that was once
commonplace must be revived. Malaysian society, which has now become accustomed
to material comforts must never lose the community spirit. The call of the
Government to reactivate the ?Rukun Tetangga? must be answered. The work of the
police must be supplemented by public assistance. A strong national spirit must
prevail as we confront increasing crime rates. I am confident that if
neighbourhood patrols are restarted, the incidence of break-ins and thefts will
decrease dramatically. I ask all UMNO members, and the members of Barisan
Nasional component parties to step forward and set an example in assisting the
Government to combat crime.
54. The harmony between the various communities and religions in Malaysia is not
an optional luxury ? it is a necessity. We have no other choice. Fifty years
ago, our independence movement was successful because of the wisdom of Tunku
Abdul Rahman (Almarhum) and his colleagues who introduced the concept of power
sharing.
55. We have been independent for fifty years. Now, those who are born in
Malaysia are Malaysians citizens.They were born and have grown up knowing only
Malaysia as their homeland. The time for championing parochial interests in
over. Issues must be addressed on the basis of the interests of the nation and
the Malaysian people as a whole.
56. During the 2006 UMNO General Assembly, UMNO allowed the media to provide
live coverage of the proceedings. For the first time, the world was given a
window to view Malay political rhetoric. Only a small number of speakers raised
issues that perhaps touched on communal sensitivities. The speeches by the
President, Deputy President and the leaders of the Youth, Wanita and Puteri
movements, as well as the other debaters spoke on issues from a national
perspective and represented the majority view within UMNO. I believe that
similar extremist sentiments are voiced by members of political parties that
represent other communities. However, in the spirit of building a unified
nation, the consensus of moderation and mutual respect outweighs extremist
tendencies.
57. Those who would wish to inflame communal sentiments have sensationalised the
words of a few UMNO speakers. The act of unsheathing and kissing a keris is part
of our cultural heritage, but it?s meaning has been twisted to spread fear among
non-Malays, and the image of UMNO and Malaysia has been smeared overseas. On
behalf of UMNO?s leaders and members, I give assurance that UMNO will never
breach the spirit of the understanding that has been agreed with the other
communities at the time of Merdeka. Opportunities in Malaysia are available to
all. There is a future for every Malaysian in this country.
58. By the same token, other communities must appreciate the sensitivities of
the Malays. Basic matters relating to the sanctity of religion, beliefs and
practices, Malay interests and the social contract between the communities are
sacred to us and should not be raised. Similarly, the basic issues that were
agreed upon at the time the Federal Constitution was drafted are non-negotiable.
59. UMNO does not engage in duplicity.We do not change our tune to suit the
occasion or the audience. We are ready to seek intelligent resolutions and
win-win outcomes when dealing with sensitive issues relating to race and
religion. Nevertheless, for these issues to be addressed effectively, it is more
appropriate to have these discussions behind closed doors. Sensitive issues must
be handled objectively, rationally and maturely. UMNO and its colleagues in
Barisan Nasional must never be ensnared by religious and racial issues raised by
the opposition. We are the party that controls Government, we administer
executive power. We should never allow ourselves to sink to their level.
TOWARDS 100 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
60. In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of our independence, with the grace
of Allah, I was given the honour of revisiting the historical journey undertaken
by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. Beginning with the events in Bandar Hilir in
Malacca, until the proclamation of MERDEKA at the Merdeka Stadium.
61. Malaysians should be thankful for the dignity and sovereignty that our
nation possesses. We can be proud of how we have progressed since we attained
our freedom. Much of this stems from the wisdom of our leadership, beginning
with Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, followed by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tub Hussein
Onn and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. I was given the responsibility to lead four
years ago.
62. This region once achieved greatness during the Malay Empire of Malacca. But
it Malacca only lasted a century. After its fall, we were colonised for almost
500 years a period when our destiny was determined by foreign powers. In the 50
years after Merdeka, we have managed to govern ourselves and rekindle the glory
of Malacca. Malaysia has emerged once again as a sovereign nation, esteemed and
respected. But we do not want our success to last for only 100 years. We want to
perpetuate our excellence.
63. I am grateful that I have inherited a Government that has achieved much,
especially in the area of our physical infrastructure development. In fact, the
challenge that confronts me is to add value to the success that has already been
achieved. I have therefore decided to work towards developing the software for
our nation through cultivating first class human capital.W e have introduced
various formulae, restructured organisations and established new institutions.
Fresh policies have been put in place and adjustments have been made to suit
changing circumstances. The four years that I have held the reins of leadership
is a relatively short span of time in our life as an independent nation and I
realise that we still have some distance to travel before we meet the targets
that we have set ourselves. In addition, there are new challenges emerging, such
as the increasing price of fuel and other commodities and political instability
in strategic regions such as the Middle East. Still, the positive signs that I
see in Malaysia fill me with optimism.
64. We must be aware of our people who are becoming better educated, have more
access to information and want more transparency, democratic practices and a
bigger role for civil society. Media is undergoing a revolution. Information is
now distributed through multiple channels. In this context, we must be
intelligently balance the need for media freedoms with the basis for political
stability that we have enjoyed. The Government wishes to see the media industry
grow into an industry that is progressive and open, an industry that can carry
out its responsibilities with integrity and responsibility. Perhaps one day in
the future, the media can assume the responsibility of self regulation by its
own professionals.
65. We must strengthen and rejuvenate political cooperation through a genuine
spirit of power sharing. We must educate our future leaders to continue with the
nation building agenda. The failure to prepare capable successors will leave a
void that will be eagerly filled by our opponents.
66. It is the responsibility of today?s leaders to institute smooth continuity
of leadership. UMNO is strong and stable because of the attention given to groom
future leaders. During the time of Tun Abdul Razak (Allahyarham), much emphasis
was given to talent spotting. Young leaders were given the opportunity to serve.
They were educated and guided.This is why when both Tun Dr. Ismail and Tun Abdul
Razak passed away suddenly, UMNO was equipped with a new echelon of leaders that
was prepared and tested. No one lives forever. Responsible leaders will think
about the nation?s future. For the sake of the country?s future, we must give
priority to programs that develop potential leaders of tomorrow.
67. The fate of the nation in 2057 will depend on what we do today.The National
Mission must succeed and this will only happen when our people are strong. They
must be equipped with knowledge and become masters of technology. They must be
cultured and possess strong morals.
68. A country that celebrates 50 years of independence must be populated with a
free people ? a people who have the belief and confidence in their future. Its
people must shoulder the responsibility of defending its freedom; a people who
live in harmony between communities and religions; a people who are broad minded
and big hearted.
69. The next 50 years must be fully optimised by the Malays, by all Malaysians.
The Federal Constitution must continue to be the bedrock of our nation and the
Rukun Negara our guiding principles. We want to ensure that the country remains
united and society remains equitable, infused with the spirit of togetherness
and power sharing. We want to build a cultured and civilised nation through the
approach of Islam Hadhari, which contains universal principles. We want an
advanced nation that continues to progress, steered by the National Mission.
70. The National Mission has five main thrusts ? moving the economy up the value
chain, developing first class human capital, addressing persistent
socio-economic imbalances, improving the quality of life and strengthening
institutional capacity ? all of which are universal, constant requirements for
national building. The strength of our human capital will determine the success
of the Mission. It will determine whether we achieve developed nation status and
progress further.
71. Let us all build a nation that enriches every citizen, regardless of race or
belief. Let us be a nation where everyone enjoys balanced development. Let us
carry our nation to the peak of distinction.
72. When we celebrate our centenary of independence in 2057, Malaysia should be
counted as one of the countries with the highest levels of human development. We
should be ranked as one of the most competitive economies in the world with
first class human capital, infrastructure, institutions and administration
standards, insya-Allah.
73. I pray to Allah to provide guidance and inspiration to us to carry out our
responsibilities and exercise our communal obligations, our fardu kifayah. I
pray that our leaders and the future of both UMNO and Malaysia do not fall under
the control of those who wish to bring destruction. May our Assembly be blessed
by God.
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