Don't Disturb Key Thrusts In Social Contract - Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

BESUT, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today reminded all quarters not to try to disturb the four key thrusts in racial relations printed in the Federal Constitution as the national social contract.

While stressing that Umno would be on the front line in defending the thrusts, Ahmad Zahid said any disruption of the thrusts would affect the racial stability in the country.
The four main thrusts were Islam as the official religion in the federal region, Malay Rulers, Malay rights and Malay Language as the national language.

"Don't try to disturb these four key thrusts because we, Umno, and the government, will ensure that the most stern legal action will be taken against those who dare to do so.

"I would like to stress here that there will be no compromise in this matter and to whom it may concern, don't try to challenge the Federal Constitution," he said when opening the Besut Umno divisional delegates' meeting in Kampung Gong Kemuntong, Jerteh here Saturday.

Also present were Umno Supreme Council members Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh and Tan Sri Dr Abdullah Mat Zin, as well as Besut Umno chief Nawi Mohamad.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said the recent action taken against several individuals under the Sedition Act was proof that the government had never compromised with any quarters who tried to create disharmony in the country.

Meanwhile, he said all quarters should put their trust in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in matters concerning the Sedition Act, which was said to be replaced with a new law with similar functions.

"Let's not worry about the Sedition Act because it is still in effect and has yet to be tabled (to Parliament). Even if it is replaced with a new law, the essence of the law will still be found in the new law.

"So far, I found not less than 32 Umno divisions nationwide had tabled the motion during their meetings to retain the Act and believe me, the government has always taken into consideration the views of the public before making any decision for the country," he added.

In KUALA PILAH, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, when opening Kuala Pilah Umno delegates meeting, denied that Umno fielding candidate with a religious background for the Pengkalan Kubor state by-election in Kelantan was a strategy to "pull wool over the eyes" of the voters there.

"Who says ustaz (religious figures) are not influential in Umno. They also play an important role not only in the political front but also in governance like in Islamic banking among others," he said.

PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was reported as saying that Umno was resorting to the strategy because the Kelantanese are religiously conservative.

The BN's candidate is Mat Razi Mat Ail, 48, who is a religious figure.

PAS, which itself is a religious party, on the other hand is fielding a businessman, Wan Rosdi Wan Ibrahim, 56, as its candidate.

An independent candidate, Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary, 47, has also joined the fray. Nomination was today and polling is on Sept 25.

In KUALA NERANG, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Umno members should put their trust in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who dared to take a big risk in solving issues concerning the MH17 tragedy.

He said Najib had to negotiate with the pro-Russian separatists to repossess the black boxes of MH17 and to repatriate the remains of Malaysian crew and passengers who were killed when the flight crashed in eastern Ukraine.

"If he (Najib) did not succeed, it will be the end of his political career and other countries will never believe in Malaysia again. When I asked him why he took that risk, he said he had promised the families of the victims that he would get the remains out of the crash site.

"Other people might not be able to do that, but Najib, who is also Umno president, managed to pull it off," he said when opening the Padang Terap Umno divisional delegates' meeting at Kuala Nerang Mara College here today.

Hishammuddin said he, however, was disappointed with certain quarters, especially the opposition, who were keen on making baseless allegations and ridiculing the sacrifices and contributions made by the prime minister.

-- BERNAMA