Dr M leads UMNO choir: Najib hit the 'right' note

NEW VIGOUR- Najib walking the talk in healing, leading party to success

UMNO has re-emerged with renewed vigour and this was being reflected among members at the party's assembly yesterday, said former party president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Commending Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's stewardship in "healing" and leading the party to regain its strength, Dr Mahathir said he was impressed with the show of support by delegates towards Najib's aspirations and direction for the party.

He said Najib hit the right note when he touched on humility as a trait Umno leaders must possess, adding the president walks the talk.

"Najib himself is a humble person and in serving the people, you cannot be arrogant.

"He delivered a great speech... covering all grounds, answering all slanders and accusations by the opposition," he said outside Dewan Merdeka after Najib delivered his speech at the opening of the 66th Umno General Assembly yesterday.

On Najib urging Umno members at all levels to unite, he said the call must be embraced by all.

"Mandate has to be given to a government with a good track record," Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, adding the 21 products borne out of the 1Malaysia concept was an example of the BN government's sound performance.

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Najib's speech was a morale boost for the delegates and the starting mark for Umno members to be on "offensive mode" ahead of the polls.

Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the people should not entertain the idea of changing government and instead look at the poor administration of the opposition states.

"They have failed to fulfil their promises to champion religion, race and country," he said.

The captains of Umno's three wings took Najib's message as a clear indication that it was time for battle and that there could be no room for error in preparations.

Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil said Najib had proven his mettle in steering the nation towards progress and development and his background, including the mentorship he had had with past leaders, had given him leadership qualities rarely found in others.

"He was guided by his father Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and other great leaders like Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. With this advantage, he is now ready to bring great development for the country," she said.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said there was no need for a change in government to see changes in the country.

"Umno's agenda is a transformational one. Listening to the prime minister's speech, we are sure to see many positive changes in the country when it is under his helm."

Khairy said voters who allowed themselves to be influenced by the opposition would only be putting the country at risk.

"Allowing the opposition to rule the country will be like letting the fox man the chicken coop."

Puteri Umno chief Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said the president's speech reflected his seriousness in pushing for the country's transformation.

"Umno and BN are focusing on transformation policies in efforts to achieve Vision 2020. We have a major role to play in making sure that the vision materialises."

Former party president Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Najib's speech would awake idle members and lift their spirit, which would help BN retain its mandate.

He said Najib's message must be etched in the minds of members and applied well.

Abdullah, who is also Kepala Batas member of parliament, said Umno members in Penang, one of the states lost to the opposition in the last general election, must take heed of the president's speech and be charged enough to recover the state.

- New Straits Times h