Shahrizat: May 13 could repeat if Umno weak

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 ― The spectre of May 13 was raised once again today at the opening of the Wanita Umno general assembly here, as the wing’s leader Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil used the bloody racial clash to encourage delegates to work harder for Umno’s victory.

Shahrizat used the bloody racial clash to encourage delegates to work harder for Umno’s victory. ― File pic

The politician warned told nearly 1,000 delegates at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here that a weak Umno would spread uneasiness among the Malay community and possibly invite the same racial conflict that caused the bloodshed during the 1969 tragedy.

“Do we want to such a terrible situation repeated in our country? Of course we do not,” she said according to the text copy of her opening address to those gathered at Dewan Merdeka here.

Shahrizat said Umno must overcome five key challenges to strengthen itself ahead of the coming polls, including fighting off its foes in PAS, attracting more young voters and ensuring that the Malays continue to hold political power.

“If we no longer have power, then the country’s political stability will be affected.

“I fear that this could lead to a racial tension that could invite the same tragedy of May 13, 1969,” she said.

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