By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — Hard-working, diligent leaders who are willing to go the extra mile is the missing factor in today’s generation of Umno, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim.
He said this today while officiating the launch of Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat’s book Umno: Akhir Sebuah Impian? which is published by The Malaysian Insider, at Hotel Equatorial in Kuala Lumpur.
“Today’s elected officials (Members of Parliament) are spoilt as they have been so many benefits. Back during our time, an MP's allowance was only RM500 a month. We had to make do with so little and at the same fight for the nation’s progress.” said Rais.
Describing how the essence and meaning of Umno’s ideals have been lost in translation, Rais felt that Mohamed, popularly known as Tok Mat, was a shining example of a leader that is willing to sacrifice for the better good of the party and urged every Umno member to read the book.
Mohamed is a former Information Minister and secretary-general of Umno and Barisan Nasional.
“He (Tok Mat) did not censor anything when he wrote this book, and it is important because the contents in this book should be told as it is. Times have changed and one should not be worried about who gets angry about what is written in this book.”
According to the Information Minister, Tok Mat’s book should also be read by each and every Umno member if possible as it also provides a no-holds-barred account of the history of Umno, its past accomplishments as well as challenges it faced back during the crisis of 1988 where Umno was split into two factions.
“I feel that even Tun Dr. Mahathir himself should read this book. This book is like a mirror to the face of Umno; it is not only a book that talks about Tok Mat’s personal reflections but it is also a historical piece of evidence of Umno’s history;” said Rais.
He was also confident that the leadership of Umno as well as BN was in good hands and expressed confidence in Najib’s administration.
“I am confident that the 1 Malaysia concept will be successful. It is time we went back to the right path and strengthen the people’s support for us.”
He also urged for copies of the book to be made available at all libraries throughout the country especially the rural areas, as he felt that people needed to read the book to understand the past.
“The past will repeat itself if no changes are made. Malaysian society has to learn to change and adapt with the times.”
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