By Anisah Shukry
KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin urged Umno members to strive against (jihad) against “the enemy” during what he said will be the party’s “most challenging” period.
Playing to the enthusiastic crowd of some 50,000 here to celebrate Umno’s 66th anniversary, the deputy president said that the 13th general election would be the “mother of all elections” in ensuring the country would remain harmonious and peaceful.
“Umno is the true defender of the people. We cannot allow our enemies destroy the unity and harmony we have built,” he thundered over the cheers and hooting of the red-clad crowd.
“Do not allow them to spread their twisted ideology that can sway our faith. Do not allow them to destroy our ethical and moral way of life.”
He reminded the crowd of Umno supporters and members that there was little time left to prepare for the election, and that the party must provide “diligent warriors” capable of winning the hearts of the people.
He also likened the following general elections to a “jihad” and quoted several verses of the Quran to the predominantly Malay-Muslim crowd.
“Let us truly understand Allah’s words... (We must) fight in difficult as well as easy times, and approach battle with the spirit and determination of jihad,” he urged the sea of red.
“Althouh they faced all sorts of challenges, the army led by Prophet Muhammad won the Battle of Tabruk and stopped the advancing forces of Rome that wished to conquer the Muslim empire.
“Mr President, we are ready to make our move,” he said, addressing Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He added that this evening’s gathering, which had swelled to tens of thousands by 7pm, was a platform for Umno members to fortify their confidence, determination and dreams.
“May 11, 1946 will always be remembered in history as the birth of a group that fights for the rights, the benefits and the future of the Malays.
“For over six decades, Umno has moved with the hopes and ambitions of the people.
“Umno moves forward with loyalty and wisdom,” he said.