Elections soon, says Najib as he skewers DAP as ‘threat to Islam’

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has hinted that national polls could be called soon and warned that should Chinese-based opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) come into power, the nation will face “extreme liberalism”.

Delivering the opening speech at the ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno) annual general assembly on Thursday morning (Dec 1), he noted that the DAP’s Constitution does not mention Islam as the main religion, nor pledge to uphold the institution of the Malay Rulers. Neither will it protect the rights and privileges of the Malays and indigenous bumiputeras.

“(If Umno is toppled) Malays will no longer have anywhere to hang their hopes on, they will fall and lie prone, and will be considered lowly and be vagabonds, beggars and destitutes in their own land,” he said.

“Wouldn’t we, as Muslims be worried, angry and frustrated if DAP rules the country, as they will not uphold the institution of Islam? And with this, we hope the people will continue to choose us.”

Turning to the election, Mr Najib urged the party members to be prepared for it soon.  

“The 14th general election is coming and we will win. We must stand up, and be ready to fight for it,” he said emphatically to over 2,700 members.

He said in order to win the next election, which has to be called by 2018, party members need to be united. “Without proper strategies and failure to stand together in the party, it will cost us the battle. If we are divided, we will lose it to our enemies,” said Mr Najib, who is also Umno’s president. 

Despite being surrounded by controversy arising from financial irregularities in state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Mr Najib has consolidated his power within Umno.

Umno vice president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told TODAY that “absolute loyalty and solidarity towards the Prime Minister” was vital to rally the party. 

“Teamwork is also very important among leaders and members,” added Mr Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister.

In his speech on Thursday, Mr Najib also revealed that his government will take up opposition Parti Islam Se-Malaysia’s (PAS) private member’s Bill to enhance the powers of  Syariah courts. He said the decision was reached following discussions with PAS.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang last week tabled a controversial parliamentary Bill to raise the punishment ceiling meted out by Syariah courts in PAS-ruled Kelantan.

Mr Najib again assured non-Muslims the Bill will not affect them and called for the proposal not to be turned into political fodder. 

“Worry not, non-Muslims will not be under this law and the government is studying thoroughly to ensure there is no legal dualism here,” he added.

Johor’s Umno chief Khaled Nordin, who is also the state chief minister, told TODAY that the ruling Malay party will always treat minority races fairly.

“The president (Mr Najib) has said we need to be fair to all races and this is true because we are a multiracial country. All the races have agreed to work together to build and develop the country and Umno will uphold this,” Mr Khaled said.

But the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a component party of the ruling coalition, insists that it will not support the Bill.  

MCA president Liow Tiong Lai said the Bill “goes against the spirit of the Federal Constitution.” Mr Liow also said the decision has to be made collectively by the coalition and he has explained MCA’s position to Mr Najib and the other ruling parties. 

During his speech, Mr Najib also took a swipe at former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad by saying the latter’s actions are the “peak” of betrayal to the party, the country, and also the Malay race. 

Mr Najib described his mentor turned critic, who left Umno and formed opposition party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, as having committed “disgusting” acts by working with DAP and participating in anti-government rallies. 

“Dr Mahathir who was once a celebrated statesman, has now turned sides against the very party that he had led for decades,” Mr Najib said. 

But the party leader saved his harshest words for the DAP, claiming that major institutions to aid and guide bumiputeras, including government agency Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and its Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) will be eroded if DAP runs the country. 

He said the higher education institution, which has been the pride of Malays and Bumiputera for 60 years, will then no longer be able to maintain its philosophy. 

“If the country falls into the hands of DAP who practise extreme liberalism and dangerous secular understanding, our rights and special position will be eroded,” he added. WITH AGENCIES