Umno has never given in to DAP at the expense of its principles, says Asyraf

 

Umno has never compromised its core principles or its struggle for the Malays and Islam for the sake of DAP within the unity government, says Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. - BERNAMA pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has never compromised its core principles or its struggle for the Malays and Islam for the sake of DAP within the unity government, says Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

The Umno secretary-general challenged critics to provide evidence for claims that the party had allowed the position of Islam, the Malay language, and Bumiputera interests to be eroded.

"So far, there has not been a single instance showing that Umno has 'given in' or 'made way' for DAP at the expense of our core principles," he said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia.

Asyraf cited Umno's successful opposition to DAP's proposal for local elections and the appointment of non-Muslim experts to the Committee to Study the Powers of the Shariah Court. Both proposals failed to materialise following the party's intervention.

He also pointed to Umno's rejection of a proposal by DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming to nominate Chinese New Villages as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

"We objected because such recognition would have implications for the Malays. Because of Umno's stance, the matter was never brought to the cabinet," he said.

More recently, Asyraf said the party opposed the Urban Renewal Bill, leading to its postponement for amendments. He said this highlighted Umno's role as the primary defender of Malay and Islamic interests within the administration.

He added that no party had dared to challenge national policies linked to Bumiputera interests, including those involving tahfiz and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The National TVET policy alone is set to benefit 250,000 students, the majority of whom are Bumiputera.

Asyraf, who also chairs Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), noted that the agency's budget now exceeds RM4.1 billion, a figure larger than that of several state governments.

He said that Umno ministers remain vocal during cabinet meetings, scrutinising every paper to evaluate the impact of policies on Islam and the Bumiputera community.

"This is Umno's struggle," he said, adding that the party retains trust and control over strategic ministries and agencies, including the rural and regional development, defence, and higher education ministries, as well as Mara, Felda, and Felcra.

On the party's political future, Asyraf said Umno remains committed to the unity government for the sake of national stability until the 16th General Election.

"After that, no one can stop Umno and Barisan Nasional from working with any party. That is clear. This is not election season, and we are not in a position where we must make a decision now." - NST