KUALA LUMPUR - Umno deputy president has issued a stern warning that political cooperation, including within the Unity Government, must not come at the expense of the party’s core principles involving Malay rights, Islam and the Malay Rulers.
Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Umno’s participation in any political alliance was not a “free pass” for partners to dilute or challenge what he described as the party’s red lines.
“Political cooperation, whether in today’s Unity Government or any future alliance, is not a licence for anyone to soften our founding principles,” he said at the opening ceremony of Youth, Women and Puteri annual general assemblies at KL World Trade Centre, here, last night.
Mohamad stressed that Umno would not compromise on the special position of Malays and Bumiputera, describing the issue as a constitutional foundation rather than one of racial politics.
“This is not racism. This is the Constitution and the social contract that built this nation,” he said, adding that Umno was not formed to be apologetic in defending Malay rights.
He warned political allies, particularly those with differing ideologies, against questioning or disputing these rights, saying such actions would be viewed as a direct challenge to the conscience of the Malay community.
“We can share power, but we will not share or pawn the dignity of the Malays,” he said.
Mohamad also reaffirmed Umno’s position on Islam as the religion of the Federation, describing it as a pillar of the nation that must be defended against attempts to dilute its status under the banner of freedom of expression or human rights.
“Any attempt to equate religions, promote extreme pluralism or undermine Islamic institutions will not be accepted,” he said, pledging that Umno would remain at the forefront in resisting such narratives.
On the institution of the Malay Rulers, Mohamad said it was more than symbolic, warning that those who mocked, manipulated or disrespected the monarchy were “playing with fire”.
Mohamad cautioned Unity Government partners against assuming Umno had lost its resolve simply because it was part of a coalition administration.
“Do not think that because we are in the same Cabinet, Umno has lost its fangs,” he said.
He said Umno would not remain silent in the name of political stability if the foundations of the nation were threatened, stressing that the party was prepared to confront anyone, friend or foe, who crossed its red lines.
“This is a firm warning. We are ready to cooperate for the sake of the people and the country, but if hands begin to touch our religion, race and rulers, we will push them away with all the strength we have,” he said.
Addressing perceptions that Umno had become submissive within the Unity Government, Mohamad rejected claims that the party was merely following orders or had become politically irrelevant.
“I want to end that perception tonight,” he said, adding that Umno continued to act as an effective check and balance from within the Cabinet.
Despite holding fewer parliamentary seats, Mohamad said Umno’s voice remained decisive in government, ensuring that no extreme or harmful policies were allowed to pass unchecked.