Abdullah To Stress On National Unity At Umno General Assembly

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to stress on national unity in his keynote address at the opening of the Umno general assembly on Monday.
Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also the party's Resolution Committee chairman, said Abdullah would focus on ways to enhance cooperation between the races so as to foster understanding in the economic, social and educational spheres.
"Certain quarters had raised issues deemed sensitive, so we want to propose that collaborative efforts be stepped up but not through formal or national dialogues," he told reporters after opening the Overseas Umno Clubs' Leadership Course themed "Glorious Malaysia: Direction for the Next 50 Years" at the Putra World Trade Centre here Saturday. He was representing Abdullah.
Muhyiddin who is also Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, said Abdullah would also set the pace for Umno's struggle for the next 50 years, and spell out efforts to achieve Vision 2020 and to develop highly skilled human capital.
The Umno president would also trace the nation's accomplishments over the last 50 years and remind delegates on the contributions and achievements of previous leaders, said Muhyiddin.
He said two resolutions, namely on the economy and education, besides religion and social, would be tabled at the assembly.
On the economy, he said, Umno would seek for a fair distribution of wealth as the Malays to date had gained only 18 per cent of the 30 per cent equity targeted under the New Economic Policy.
He said education would continue to be the main thrust of development for the Malays, while the social and religious resolutions would call for security reinforcement, enhancing the role of religious institutions and promotion of Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam).
On the Umno president's pre-assembly briefing on Monday, he said it was not meant to curtail debate on issues but rather to advise the delegates to keep the general election uppermost in their minds in their deliberations.
"The tone of the debate should place importance on cordial relations among the races and the Barisan Nasional's role in national development.
"We want to give a clear picture to the community on the actual role of Umno so that they will focus on how to achieve a bigger victory in the election," he said.

tunku : well, it would be wise for umno to do so as we lives in a multiracial country but i hope this is not a vote fishing thing as the election is around the corner.hope what will be said is meant full heartedly as there is not a single race can achieve success in thi s country unless the participation of all races.