Be tactful, all eyes on us, Hishammuddin tells Umno

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today reminded Umno delegates to be mindful of how they speak and act at the general assembly so as not to be misunderstood by those outside the party.

The Star Online reported the Umno veep as saying that the party was allowing all views to be aired so as to be "more inclusive, transparent and more democratic".

But, he warned delegates that a careless and an overly emotional approach to sensitive issues, like religion and race, might cause the public to misinterpret the party’s stance.

Hishamuddin said the delegates had been reminded not to be irrational, but to speak based on facts when debating their motions.

“It is impossible to try to stop them (from discussing sensitive issues) as we are constantly connected to social media and the Internet. We have to be realistic about it.

“Our forum is not only confined to the delegates, but many people from various strata of society and religion are following the Umno debates.

“People out there are interested about what is discussed at our assembly," The Star Online quoted him as saying after a special session between speakers of motions for the Umno wings yesterday.

Hishammuddin said the fact that the assembly and debates were of interest to many groups showed that Umno was a party for all Malaysians.

The Umno general assembly ends this Saturday. – November 26, 2014.