2 theSun | WEDNESDAY MARCH 25 2009

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Choose the right candidates, says Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing Umno
president and Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yester-
day urged party members to select
the right leaders in the polls over the
next few days.
Speaking to reporters after ad-
dressing the general assembly’s pre-
council meeting at the Putra World
Trade Centre, Abdullah said what is
important now is that the delegates
choose the right candidates in all the
posts’ contested.
“We have to determine what is best
so that the leadership that is selected
will be respected and give confidence
to the party as well as the people in
our country. The leadership that is
chosen is not only meant for the party
but for the country as a whole.
“With the right selection (of lead-
ers), Umno can continue its struggle
and agenda … especially in its efforts
to improve the economy ... as well
as to united and strengthen all Ma-
laysians.”
Abdullah reminded delegates to
understand their roles and cast their
ballots properly.
“All delegates must be serious
when casting the votes,” he said.
“Stop all the in-fighting and do not
do any undesirable thing that could
create hatred among us.
“I hope there is no interruption
during the process of selection.”
He also said that his pre-council
speech was very short this time but
the message was clear.
Asked how he felt since this will
be his last address to delegates, Ab-
dullah said: “I am happy just as I am
… I’m not the sentimental type.
“Unless they (delegates) cry, then
I might also,” he said in jest.
On the date of the handover based
on the transition plan, Abdullah said:
“I know what I am supposed to do.”
He said the date will be an-
nounced soon.

Put people’s interest first, delegates told
» From Front Page
blocking talented members from making progress
in the party. Such despicable behaviour only serves
to alienate those who sincerely wish to contribute
to the struggle.
» On New Media
Like it or not, we cannot regard the new media as
our enemy. The new generation of Umno leaders
must be active participants in this important de-
velopment. The younger generation of Umno must
be able to speak the language of the cyber com-
munity. They must also be leaders in the utilisation
of technology as an essential part of our political
arsenal. Only then can we win in the battle of ideas
and influence in the arena of politics.
» On the Constitution and the
Malay Rulers
The Malay rulers and the Monarchy are an essential
part of the Constitution. Even though in our system
the Monarch reigns but does not rule, the state
governments and the federal government rule in
the name of the Malay rulers as the head above
the executive arm of government. Therefore if the
Malays themselves fail to show the utmost respect
ZULKIFLI ERSAL/THESUN
to Malay Rulers who have all this time served as the
symbol of unity and stability, then who else will?
Therefore let no one twist the facts of history in
recounting Umno’s actions to amend the law with
regard to the Rulers. It was never done in bad faith,
but rather with the noble intention of preserving
the Royal Institution and upholding the doctrine
of the separation of powers which is the basis of
any democratic government. I wish to take this
opportunity to remind all Malays not to do things
which we might regret later. To those who speak
with a forked tongue, do not pledge allegiance in
the morning only to betray by mid afternoon.
» On the challenges ahead
The prosperity that we enjoy today is greatly linked
to the state of the rest of the world. We will find
it difficult to progress if the global economy con-
tinues to slide. But more importantly, we cannot
recover if there is no confidence from the people.
In fact, a precondition of economic recovery is
political stability and a nation strongly united. Outgoing youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, wanita chief Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and Najib
And so in these trying times let us put aside petty wave to the delegates before the joint opening of the assemblies of Umno’s Youth, Wanita and Puteri
differences and see the bigger picture. Let us put wings.
the interest of the rakyat over and above narrow
political interests.
Full speech on sun2surf.com
Responses to Pak Lah’s advice
BELOW are the responses
of some of the delegates to
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad
Operating over 30,000 restaurants in 87 countries Badawi’s advice to them to
elect leaders respected by
the society for the sake of

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the people and the nation:
RED
MONDAYS » International Trade and
with Italian B.M.T.™ Industry Minister Tan Sri
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party president wanted
party unity to be strength-

UP
ened for its own future and

CHeeRY
that of the Malays because
Umno sees major chal-
TUESDAYS lenges ahead. This week’s
with Tuna election should not cause a
split in the party but should

YOUR
serve as a platform to bring
back the confidence of the

IVELY
DAY
Malays and the non-Malays
LWEDNESDAYS in Umno.

with » Rural and Regional

Development Minister Puteri Umno chief Datuk Noraini Ahmad, who underwent surgery

WITH
Meatball Marinara
Tan Sri Muhammad Mu- to remove an ovarian cyst two weeks ago, arrives at PWTC in a
hamad Taib: Abdullah ad- wheelchair.

FRESH
vised party members not to
SUB OF THE DAY™ disparange the candidates pled with the principles in the at the end of it. In our eager-
in their campaign. party’s struggle will ensure its ness to campaign, we can cre-
THURSDAYS strength in the years ahead. ate slander against each other
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Abdullah has reminded the
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tant for Umno to play the
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» Deputy Transport Minister
Datuk Seri Lajim Ukim:
The delegates should adhere
to everything expounded by
Abdullah. The message gives
us, Umno leaders, spirit. The
Syed Hamid Albar: Abdul-
lah’s message was a good
guide in ensuring a reform in
Umno. When we are to pick,
we pick the best to ensure
Umno’s integrity.
» Wanita vice-chief Datuk
Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil:
The prime minister wanted

y
promotions from time to time. Limted time offer.
Malaysians and to do this, president’s briefing was a the delegates to be smart in

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the candidates and the del-
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The solidarity spirit cou- so that no one will face action – Bernama