UMNO President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged party members to reminisce the essence used in fostering plausible racial strength in Perikatan which led to the nation's independence.

He stated that the spirit must be retained and improved in Barisan Nasional (BN) to clinch a majority win at the 14th General Elections later.

“Some said, we don’t need Chinese votes. If we look at history, why did Tunku Abdul Rahman formed Perikatan if it was not beneficial to us.

“Tun Mahathir once said, when he was defeated: one vs one, if we give 3,000 votes to the opposition the deficits comes to a total of 6,000.

“The votes from the Malays are insufficient because he accidentally said that we did not need the Chinese votes. That was why Tun Mahathir lost. That was a lesson for him,” said Najib while delivering his winding up speech at the 68th General UMNO Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre, here today.

That is the reason, Najib added UMNO looks at protecting BN as utmost important, without sacrificing the principle that is close to the hearts of the Malays.

“Everyone said that Malays are fair, stern. That’s us. Why Social Contract? We want to build Malaysia as a country with successful nation,” he said.

Najib also stressed, the announcement to retain Sedition Act 1948 is the voice of the nation which must be heard by a leader.

“I can feel, as a politician, leader, the pulse of the nation must be heard. I closely follow development and listen to opinions. I can choose to announce the Government’s decision at the Parliament but I know, there is another platform - the UMNO General Assembly.

“I choose here as I want all UMNO members to realise, that as party President, I’m responsible on all members. If the voice of UMNO says Sedition Act must be retained, then I choose to fulfill that wish,” he added.

Meanwhile, Najib viewed the issue on party rejuvenation should involve several groups in UMNO.

"Cooperation, one direction. If we look behind, there will never be a scenario where solidarity exists. Give opportunities to the younger members. More opportunities to the youth but must be eligible, and fits what it is known as JIL UMNO.

"There are certain requirements. Not just anyone. Enrol today and wants to compete. No, this can't happen. There are times when we need the give it the older generation," he stressed.