Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today took a swipe at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, saying his party could do better than the leader he referred to as “guru” (teacher), while urging him to listen to the people.
Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman and deputy prime minister, made the remarks in his opening speech at the Umno general assembly.
Outlining BN’s proposed economic agenda, he criticised what he described as uncertainty surrounding government policies, particularly taxation.
“Who did this? Guru. Enough, guru. Listen to our voices, guru. We can do better than what the guru has done,” he said.
Zahid stressed that his criticism was not intended to incite hostility or undermine anyone.
“I am not trying to incite or provoke anyone. But we do not want to create anxiety or unease, let alone endless confusion,” he said.
Zahid calls for fair enforcement
Zahid also said enforcement agencies must not be used as political tools, amid recent speculation that senior Umno leaders could be arrested after the general assembly concludes.
“We do not want anyone to be put in orange or purple uniforms. We want them to be treated fairly,” he said, referring to the clothes worn by those detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or the police.
He also reiterated his call for the 16th general election (GE16) to be held sooner, saying Umno and BN were ready to seek a fresh mandate.
Umno proposes ‘grand collaboration’
Zahid said Umno would seek to work with other political parties through a “grand collaboration”, based on political understanding rather than formal mergers.
He said this was necessary to avoid electoral clashes that would benefit neither side, while stressing that such collaboration would not require Umno or BN to abandon their identities.
Zahid said Umno’s ultimate goal was to return BN to federal power and implement what he described as the “Malaysia Blue Agenda” ahead of the country’s centenary of independence.
He said the agenda would focus on creating wealth, rebuilding human capital, expanding ownership, safeguarding welfare, preparing for crises, caring for the people, rebuilding trust and protecting national interests.
