Ali Rustam: Umno must dictate government policy
Umno vice-president Mohd Ali Rustam says Umno must dictate government policy in order for the party to regain lost support, adding that grassroot members are disappointed that a lot of their suggestions and wishes have not been fulfilled by the party. As such, many feel they cannot influence government policy.
"This situation causes Umno members to lose their morale because the party agenda and manifesto is not effectively implemented. Party decisions need to be implemented and if this is done, we can resolve a lot of problems.
Umno vice-president Mohd Ali Rustam says Umno must dictate government policy in order for the party to regain lost support, adding that grassroot members are disappointed that a lot of their suggestions and wishes have not been fulfilled by the party. As such, many feel they cannot influence government policy.
"This situation causes Umno members to lose their morale because the party agenda and manifesto is not effectively implemented. Party decisions need to be implemented and if this is done, we can resolve a lot of problems.
"If Barisan Nasional wishes to regain the confidence of the Malays, the concept of parti menguasai kerajaan (the party heading the government) must be looked at seriously," he said.
Mohd Ali, who is also Malacca chief minister, said this during an interview with Malaysiakini at the sidelines of his ‘open house’ in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 22.
Mohd Ali said among the policies which have failed to be implemented include the 30 percent equity ownership by the Malays, which was targeted by the New Economic Policy (NEP) 40 years ago.
"We only hold 19 percent (of equity) despite us having (political) power. Cabinet and Parliament have decided (on this). Why isn’t it implemented?
'We're in power'
"Our (party) policies are good, but they must be implemented. For example, people always talk about the role of GLCs and slow delivery systems. If we (the party) ask the GLCs to help (the Malays), they have to help because it’s the wish of the party," he said of the role of government-linked companies.
In another example, Mohd Ali said Umno grassroot members have often called for the Urban Development Authority to help Malays own land in cities but to no avail.
He said such matters must be resolved within a reasonable time frame and not take years, adding that should such matters take too long, BN may lose its grip on the federal government.
"Who is in power? The party, (government) officers or the government (institution)? We don’t want to take the place of the officers, but things have to be done efficiently."
Mohd Ali is one of three candidates vying for the Umno deputy presidency. He has received enough nominations to contest, ahead of Umno information chief Muhammad Mohd Taib but behind Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin.
