UMNO members told to defend, strengthen party

All UMNO members have been urged to defend and strengthen the party during the upcoming 14th General Election (GE14).

Negeri Sembilan UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan who is also the Menteri Besar said the party needed a solid ground for unity from all its members during the challenging period faced by UMNO.

"We (UMNO and Barisan Nasional) have administered well all these years but there are people who envy (our success)...We were almost falling apart in the 2008 general election. Thus, UMNO's strongholds in states must be defended.

"Dear (UMNO) Youth, Puteri and Wanita (wings), do not slack as people are still jealous of us," he said in his speech after receiving the 'Sang Saka Bangsa' flag at the UMNO Flag Run in conjunction with the party's 71st anniversary on May 11, here Saturday.

Also present were Melaka UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Idris Haron, who is also Melaka Chief Minister, UMNO executive secretary Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Jusoh and party leaders from both states.

Meanwhile, Idris, in his speech, said UMNO had succeeded in upholding religion, race and the country during its 71 years of struggle.

"After receiving the flag from Johor, the birth of UMNO, I am determined to turn Melaka as Barisan Nasional's stronghold via UMNO. In addition to Johor and Melaka, let's make the southern states, including Negeri Sembilan, an UMNO stronghold," he said.

The three-day Negeri Sembilan-level UMNO Flag Run kicked off in Lubuk China here today and would finish in Beranang, Selangor on Monday, passing through Rembau, Seremban and Rasah.

About 300 people participated in the parade with Idris before the flag was handed over to Mohamad. - BERNAMA