Adnan Yaakob: Umno is most tolerant party, buttresses BN's integrity

Umno is the most tolerant party in buttressing racial harmony and the integrity of the Barisan Nasional (BN), which it helms, according to Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob.

He said the spirit of tolerance and compromise was reflected in the consensus by all 13 parties in the BN to resolve grave issues.

Adnan cited the disagreement among BN components on the tabling of the amendment bill on the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, or Act 355.

"When Act 355 was objected to by other component parties, BN led by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak concurred for it to remain as a Private Member's Bill.

"Similarly, the proposal to amend the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 on the religious status of children in a mixed marriage was deferred by the government following concerns raised by the Malays," he told reporters.

Adnan, who is also Pahang Umno chief, said this at the handing over of the 'Sang Saka Bangsa' at the state-level flag run in conjunction with Umno's 71st anniversary at the Pahang Umno building in Kuantan yesterday.

He also reminded party members to remain united and to support Najib, as Umno's ability to sustain its struggle was based on the leaders and grassroots' dependence on each other.

"The direction and goal of the party can only be achieved if members and the leadership are united. As long as we are united, the president can continue leading the country.

"All members should have the same goal, namely to ensure the party's survival and lead the country, along with the component parties," he said.

Adnan also reminded Malaysians not to be influenced by the propaganda of the opposition to topple the BN, as what had happened to the ruling parties in some countries, where they lost their mandate in elections.

"We cannot allow this to happen in Umno. The opposition is trying to break us because our party holds the record for being able to maintain the support of the masses since its establishment and since independence," Adnan said.

- Bernama