'Umno is a relevant Malay party'

KUALA LUMPUR- The first Malay lady who donated her gold bangle in order to fund Tunku Abdul Rahman's trip to London in the mission to obtain the country's independence from the British colonial master is now 87 years old.

Unlike an average grandmother, she still thinks it is apt for her to attend the 66th Umno general assembly this year as Umno "was, is and always will be" in her heart.

With the spirit of "as long as her heart beats, her health allows, her energy permits" Datuk Siti Rahmah Kassim also vowed that she would continue contributing to the religion, race and country in the name of Allah.

There is no full stop in Umno's struggles because this is the Malay institution that is relevant in fighting for the religion, the race and the country, she told Bernama here.

Looking at her face when met at the Putra World Trade Centre here, it was clear that despite all the wrinkles on her face, her faith in Umno was still intact and that she believed that only Umno could defend the Malays and remain as the backbone for Barisan Nasional in bringing the country to greater heights.

"Umno is the only political party that is brave enough to face the British to voice out the people's aspiration to be independent. Barisan (Nasional) has been in power for 55 years, the country has developed, the number of university has increased, most of our children have graduated from these universities," she said.

Siti Rahmah, who began her political career at the age of 19 and was the first woman to contest in the 1959 election, appeared fit during the interview and insisted that she wasn't even tired of doing community works.

In fact, she is still an active member of Umno and Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (Perkim) and among the posts ever held by this lady were the Negeri Sembilan Perkim chairman, Negeri Sembilan Single Mothers' Association and Malaysian Single Mothers Council deputy president.

Her love for the religion, race and country was the one which prompted her to attend Umno international forum themed 'Conflict and Conciliation in the People's Politics - Looking Back or Looking Forward' in conjunction with the 66th Umno general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

Siti Rahmah who hails from Rembau, Negeri Sembilan and had also joined other freedom fighters in protest against the Malayan Union, said Umno members should believe in the party and stay loyal to the party leaders.

"Those at the grassroots should be loyal. Don't join Umno today and hop into another party tomorrow just because someone says that party is better. We shouldn't do that," she said.

When asked her opinion about Umno leaders led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Siti Rahmah said: "I think today's leaders also have the spirit of a national hero. They have obviously inherited the attitude of the previous leaders."

She also opined that the country's leadership led by Najib at all levels had also discharged their duties with dedication. Based on her observation, she said the opposition parties were only keen to raise issues to get the people's attention.

"However, these opposition parties are drumming on empty vessels and we know that empty vessels make the most noise," she said.

Siti Rahmah said there was no reason for any quarters to change or form a new government just for the sake of democracy. "It just the opposition's job. If they don't blame the government, what else would they do?" she chided.

-- BERNAMA