KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 9): Umno is always open to working with all parties to ensure the continued struggle for the Malay race and religion, said its deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad, who is also the foreign minister, said the party had never closed the door to efforts to realise Malay unity across parties and ideologies.
“Believe me, if anyone comes to Umno and proposes Malay unity, Umno will welcome it with an open heart, but such cooperation must have clarity,” he said when delivering the opening address at the 2026 Umno Wanita, Youth and Puteri general assemblies at the World Trade Centre here on Wednesday.
Elaborating, Mohamad, who is known as Tok Mat or Mat Hasan, said the cooperation must, however, be pursued with sincere intentions and based on the strategic political interests of the Malay-Muslim community.
“Not in fits and starts or with hidden agendas. Not seasonal and certainly not to take advantage of Umno’s strengths or weaknesses.
“Umno’s position is very clear. If you are sincere, we will also be sincere in everything, insya-Allah. Therefore, Malay political unity can happen at any time and under any circumstances,” he said.
Mohamad said the cooperation must also be based on the Rumah Bangsa (Malay unity) vision championed by Umno.
“The cooperation must be under Umno’s umbrella. It must make Umno the foundation, central pillar and firm principle that binds everyone to the interests of the Malays.
“Umno was the midwife to the birth of Malay nationalism, and it will continue to be the umbrella that shelters Malay unity forever,” he said.
Mohamad also stressed that there should be no prejudice against the Rumah Bangsa vision simply because it was inspired by Umno.
He said any political cooperation pursued in the context of Malay-Muslim unity must be flexible.
“Loose understanding and cooperation, not a binding agreement. We do not like being bound, nor do we like binding others. Umno wants the freedom to act according to its political calculations,” he said.
At the same time, Mohamad expressed his appreciation to all parties who had assisted Umno, directly or indirectly.
Mohamad also stressed that Umno nationalists must not become embroiled in a crisis of slander and insults.
“We must fight all fake news and slander against Umno, but never get involved in spreading slander and unverified news about our opponents.
“Our politics must be ethical. There are so many people out there who have fallen victim to false information, and they have had to pay a very heavy price to restore their reputations,” he said.
Among those present at the opening ceremony were Umno secretary general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and Puteri Umno chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi.
The 2026 Umno General Assembly is being held from Sept 9 to 12 at WTC, with the general assemblies of the party’s three wings taking place Thursday, involving 1,163 Wanita delegates, 1,171 Youth delegates and 1,145 Puteri delegates.
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