Umno determined to restore public trust in armed forces, says Khaled
UMNO AGM | Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said the party was aware that public trust in the armed forces had eroded following investigations and arrests of officers linked to misappropriation, abuse of power, corruption, and a culture of hedonism.
However, the defence minister stressed that Umno was determined to rebuild the nation’s confidence in the security force, which he described as the backbone of national security.
UMNO AGM | Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said the party was aware that public trust in the armed forces had eroded following investigations and arrests of officers linked to misappropriation, abuse of power, corruption, and a culture of hedonism.
However, the defence minister stressed that Umno was determined to rebuild the nation’s confidence in the security force, which he described as the backbone of national security.
“I would like to take this opportunity to stress a few things regarding this incident. First, I seek everyone’s support, representing Umno - we are determined to emphasise that we will restore the nation’s confidence in the armed forces.
“Among the steps is the effort to eradicate corruption and all abuse of power within the armed forces. Anyone found guilty will be brought before the courts and punished as severely as possible.
“Those who tarnish the armed forces are not a reflection of the morals and credibility of the armed forces. There are still hundreds of thousands of armed forces personnel out there who have integrity, who serve sincerely, and who are ready to sacrifice body and soul.
“So, to the people, please be fair and reasonable towards the armed forces. Do not judge the entire armed forces negatively because of only a handful (of people),” he said in his winding-up speech.
‘Appeal for Malay support’
Khaled also took the opportunity to appeal to Umno members to place their trust in the party again.
He said the future and interests of Malays in an increasingly modern Malaysia could only be safeguarded by supporting politics that are moderate, pragmatic, and strategic, while defending the Federal Constitution.
“This means emotional and overly dramatic politics will not bring Malays anywhere. Today, sentiment and perception have become mainstream politics on the pretext of fighting for Malays and Islam - not data, not results, not recognised achievements produced through the party’s and government’s hard work.
“These sentiments and perceptions are exploited and politicised, until everything is linked to race and religion in all matters involving Malays, bumiputera, and Islam. Umno has done its best, even though Umno is not the helmsman of the unity government administration today.
“Malays should be more reasonable, more pragmatic, and more balanced in their assessment of Umno and the unity government. Malays must not stake the future of Malaysia and the Malay community on emotion and fanaticism,” he stressed.
Evaluate Umno rationally
The Kota Tinggi MP, therefore, urged the public to evaluate Umno rationally, without being driven by anger, prejudice, and continuous hatred.
Khaled also stressed that the party would not become anyone’s political puppet, and therefore needed to be supported so it could stand independently as a Malay and Malaysian political entity - so that Umno could build its own strength and stand on its own feet.
“God willing, with the trust of the Malay community, Umno will become dominant again, or at the very least become the kingmaker - or a player that will change the rhythm of the political game in Malaysia.
“This means we will become a strategic political partner in any situation. We must ensure no party can form a government without Umno being part of it, and whoever it is will need Umno to govern Malaysia,” he said.
