Hisham: Umno delegates free to express their thoughts

KUALA LUMPUR: Delegates at the Umno Annual General Assembly this year will not be stopped from expressing their thoughts as long as it is backed up with reason and logic.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pix) said the reason behind the more open debate is part of the party's transformation to become more inclusive and democratic.
"There will be no restriction for them to speak. Nak cakap, cakaplah (If they want to talk, they can do so)," he said.
"However, they have to remember that whatever that is debated at the assembly will be heard not only by Umno members, but the public nationwide by all races and religious groups.
"If we want to debate, make sure it is based on facts, not emotion and must be rational," he told a press conference after chairing a meeting with the Motions and Speakers Committeee at Putra World Trade Centre here.
The meeting was also attended by Umno deputy President Tan Sri Muyiddin Yassin, secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, permanent chairman Tan Sri Badruddin Amiruldin and other party senior members.
Hishammuddin said the decision for an unrestricted debate was also supported by Muhyiddin.
"Nowadays there is no more restriction with the emergence of social media. We must be realistic in our aim and target for future planning," he said.
Asked on delegates who might bring up sensitive issues while at the rostrum, he said it is up to the permanent chairman to decide on the action.
He said delegates should speak based on facts and not on their emotions and also be sensitive on issues related to race and religion as there are people out there who are interested in what party leaders and members say and may misinterpret it.
"Remember that many out there is following the assembly," he said, adding that he was happy that the public still have the interest to follow the assembly.
"If people turn a blind eye to the assembly, it is a bad indication to the party," he added.
He also hoped that this year's assembly will indicate a change of spirit among party members to mobilise the party in keeping with the present political landscape.