We know our foes and their religion, says delegate in fiery speech

UMNO AGM | A delegate from Pahang has called on Umno members to heed their president Najib Abdul Razak's call for a jihad (struggle).

In a fiery speech, Wan Emril Nizam Wan Embong stressed that Umno is on a “jihad” to protect the religion, race and nation.

"We are on a jihad... We know who our enemies are, who is behind them and what their religion is," he said without elaborating.

"We have to be on a jihad. When we speak about a winning mentality, we must weave it with a jihad. We fight because we are Muslims, we are Malays, we defend our homeland," he added.

Wan Emril was debating Najib's policy speech during the Umno general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur.

In his speech yesterday, Najib said Umno and BN's contemporary “jihad” was based on the principles of leadership, administration, management, struggle and strategic thinking.

"Jihad is not just through war or the sword but encompasses all aspects in managing life and the hereafter," he added.

The prime minister had also warned that should Umno fall in the 14th general election (GE14) Malay and Islamic institutions would crumble under the opposition, particularly DAP.

Meanwhile, Wan Emril Nizam ended his speech with a tearful prayer, asking God to provide divine assistance to Umno and shield the Malays.

"Don't let the fate of our race fall into the hands of race traitors, ya Allah," he said.

The predominantly-Chinese DAP is often accused by Umno of being a threat to Islam and the position of the Malays.

They also claim DAP controls the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan and that the Malay leaders in its fold, including Dr Mahathir Mohamad, dance to its tune.

DAP leaders have denied these allegations, claiming that Umno keeps repeating this in order to demonise DAP and frighten the Malay electorate.

The current parliamentary term expires on June 26, 2018 which means GE14 must be called within 60 days from that date.

GE14 is expected to be one of the most hotly contested elections in Malaysian history, with Umno facing an opposition led by its own former strongman Mahathir.

BN - which lost the popular vote in the last election, would also be looking to prove itself by regaining a two-thirds majority in Parliament, something it has been denied for two consecutive terms.- Mkini