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KUALA LUMPUR - Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Umno is best placed to lead efforts towards Malay unity, stressing that such unity must strengthen respect, togetherness and security without threatening other communities.
He said Malay unity often drew accusations of racism or claims that it could make other races feel unsafe, but stressed that the concept should never involve bringing other communities down.
“Our task is to convince everyone that Malay unity has never been and will never be about bringing others down. Instead, it must be pursued in a way that creates respect, togetherness and security, while inspiring confidence and trust.
“It cannot be built through an extreme, frightening or irrational approach,” he said during his speech at the party’s 2026 General Assembly.
Khaled said Umno should serve as the core and centre of gravity for Malay unity due to its history, character and tradition of moderation.
“First, Umno is a party rooted in moderation. While it is a Malay party, Umno also recognises and accepts non-Malays and has never sought, nor will it seek, to force other races to abandon their identities and cultures.
“Umno had historically respected and protected the rights and needs of non-Malays, including maintaining schools using the mother tongues of the Chinese and Indian communities.
“Umno accepts and celebrates diversity and has led within that diversity through Barisan Nasional (BN),” he added.
Khaled said Umno’s second strength was its commitment to fairness and inclusiveness, arguing that different communities required responses suited to their respective circumstances.
He highlighted that the Malays have their own challenges, as do the Chinese, Indians, Sabahans and Sarawakians.
“Therefore, we cannot offer one solution for everyone or apply a one-size-fits-all approach. We must respond specifically according to the needs and challenges of each community,” he said.
“We have never compromised on the needs and interests of the Malays or the position of Islam. We are always guided by the Constitution and do not compromise or take an apologetic stance.
“It was Umno that modernised the Malay community, with its aspirations for the Malays consistently anchored in progress and development rather than merely slogans and catchphrases,” he said.
He said these strengths placed Umno in a unique and responsible position to lead Malay unity.