Enemies uneasy with Umno's position - Zahid

SHAH ALAM - Enemies are uneasy with Umno's current position and continue to try to build a negative propaganda to instil hate and prejudice against the party.

Its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said enemies wanted to instil extreme feelings in the minds of the people, especially youths who were just eager to fulfill their democratic responsibilities.

He explained that the game of perception was pushed all the time until it formed a dangerous reality in people's thoughts and lives.

He said the politics of values, politics of service, efforts to build the best country and commitment to put the country on a firm economic track have been replaced by hatred and grudges.

"Everything is served as a "soundbyte buffet" that is easy to digest and accept and hovers in the digital domain until today.

"Instead of advancing society to face the challenges of the 21st century, this has moved our society far backwards. We have returned to an outdated and ancient political culture.

"And the worst affected are our own young people. Imagine the successors of our country starting their political journey through the lens of racism and hatred propaganda," he said in a post on his Facebook account in conjunction with Umno's 77th anniversary, today.

Zahid said he was convinced that the enemies were aware of the negative effects of the propaganda, but chose to turn a blind eye and let the young people continue to be swayed, thus turning their backs on the spirit of unity which was the basis of the country's strength.

Therefore, he said, in conjunction with Umno's anniversary, the party will show an exemplary way to ace the new politics that was more mature and meaningful..

"Remember, this historic party started as a charity movement and not a club for the elite, wealthy and businessmen or an exclusive club," he said.

Zahid said Umno will never get tired of offering complete solutions to the problems of Malaysians.

"From efforts to improve economic standards, eradication of extreme poverty, to efforts to make Malaysia the most competitive and fastest developing country," he added.

He added that Umno will offer a vision towards simplicity, equality, justice, freedom, economic growth through a set of policies that were appropriate and could be achieved from various ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The party, he said will continue to offer Malaysians a long-term plan that will change people's lives for the better and meet the needs of the 21st century.

"Umno understands and represents the current reality and is always ready to implement all the demands, including empowering the Malay agenda in the context of an increasingly modern Malaysia.

"GE15 (15th General Election) taught us that democracy is not a gift. Democracy is the right of the people.

"The boundaries of the democratic space are not determined by the government. Democracy will only be obtained through the struggle of the people," he said.

He added that Umno's 77th anniversary was a sign of Umno's maturity through ups and downs, bittersweet which matured the party to recover, rise and move forward.

"Congratulations on celebrating Umno's 77th anniversary with self-reflection, gratitude and commitement to build a more glorious future.

"Fire at the front, thorns at the rear, Umno has never been afraid to face challenges and the future. On the other hand, this forms the new maturity and dynamics of Umno today," he said.