MCA president Liow Tiong Lai claimed Umno cares for the interests of not just one race, but for all.
According to The Star, Liow commenting on Umno’s 71st anniversary event yesterday, said, “I am heartened by Umno’s spirit of practising moderation and caring for the interest of all, not just a particular race.”
Liow added that although some Barisan National component parties like Umno, MCA and MIC represented one race, collectively, they supported all.
“The spirit of political struggle matters, as it is that spirit that pushes forward our multi-racial society,” he was quoted as saying.
According to the English daily, Liow “expressed confidence that Umno would remain strong as the backbone of the country in ensuring its development and transformation for a better tomorrow”.
He added Umno is the “backbone of our governing coalition”.
“We need it to be strong so that all of us can have a strong government to develop and transform the country faster,” Liow was reported as saying.
Bernama additionally reported MIC president S Subramaniam saying that besides looking after the interests of the Malays and bumiputera, Umno did not forget the interests of the other races through the power sharing concept adopted.
"This shows that besides championing the cause of the Malays, Umno had succeeded in looking after the interests of the other communities too and this is the pillar in ensuring national harmony and political peace,” he added.
Subramaniam said that the message had also succeeded in opening the eyes of the young generation on the importance of remembering national history and the challenges faced by Umno leaders in defending national stability.
Meanwhile, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Joseph Kurup described the message of the Umno president as forward thinking in reminding its members and those of the BN component parties on the importance of being united.
"His message that all members of Umno and the BN should remain united in whatever situation and be ready to face external challenges must be given attention. Congratulations because for seven decades Umno still succeeded in maintaining loyalty of its members," Bernama reported him saying.
Call to close ranks
80,000 attended the celebration at the Bukit Jalil Stadium last night as Prime Minister Najib Razak geared the party up for possible polls.
Bernama reported Umno vice president Hishammuddin Hussein saying, "The response tonight was extraordinary.
“But we also need the support of the others out there to cheer and expand the patriotic spirit of the party.
“Use all the available opportunity to be closer to them," he said when approached shortly after the conclusion of the celebration.
Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the president's message clearly wanted the party members to accept and practise the concept of loyalty to the leader.
Wanita Umno head Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the message conveyed by Najib clearly showed that for the past seven decades Umno had always struggled for the benefit of the people until today.
She said the Umno struggles should be appreciated because the party had never ignored the people in all its struggles which were centred on Islam, the Malays and bumiputeras.
Meanwhile, Umno information head Annuar Musa said the assembly contributed towards the 'winning mentality' which was an important element for the party machinery in facing the upcoming general election.
"If we listen to the prime minister's speech, it was directed more at renewing the determination to prepare to face the general election and also the cooperative support from the BN component parties. We hope the party machinery will be more inspired," he said, according to Bernama.
