UMNO AGM An Umno delegate has questioned why the opposition did not highlight the fact that state-owned investment arm 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) sent 1,000 imams for haj.

Kelantan delegate Ikmal Hisham Ab Aziz had earlier defended the debt-ridden company, which is the brainchild of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"1MDB managed to send 1,000 imams for haj.

"Why didn't the opposition highlight this?" asked the Tanah Merah Umno division leader during the debate on the economy at the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said that Pakatan Rakyat should not continue to criticise the company as it does not use the government's coffers to fund its operations.

According to him, 1MDB only used RM1 million as an initial support fund and RM5.8 worth of bonds from the government.

The opposition has been constantly harping on the 1MDB issue, with Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua describing it as the "mother of all scandals".

Najib has even threatened to take legal action against the opposition lawmaker.

Apart from the opposition, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also been critical of the firm and its massive debts.

Johor delegate wants 'economic jihad'

Meanwhile, a Johor Umno delegate called for an "economic jihad (holy war)", demanding an increase in financial provisions for the Malays and bumiputera in the 11th Malaysia Plan.

Adham Baba said since Malays and bumiputera form the majority in Malaysia, they deserved to be given more economic attention.

"Malay and bumiputeras are the majority, and with that, the 11th Malaysia plan should include more programmes and put more focus on financial provisions that benefit the Malay people.

"We will consider that an economic jihad," added the Pasir Raja state assemblyperson.

He added that if a policy fails in its duty to protect and pay more attention to the majority population in the country, it cannot continue to be regarded as a policy.

“So many of our youths are poor, not just in terms of money and assets, they are also lacking culture and social skills,” he said.

Adham then pointed out that there is no reason for Umno to feel “guilty” for taking the right wing stance.


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