UMNO members must unite to protect rights of Malays, Islam - Shahidan

UMNO members must unite to defend the position and rights of the Malays and Islam as the official religion of the country, UMNO Supreme Council (MT) member Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim said.

Shahidan, who is also Perlis UMNO Liaison Committee chairman and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said UMNO members, and the Malays in general, had no choice but to empower UMNO to ensure that the rights of Malays and Islam could be protected.

"Any differences and disputes that will separate us (Malays and UMNO members) must be set aside to ensure the survival of the party," he told reporters after the opening of Arau UMNO delegates meeting by Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who is also UMNO MT member.

Shahidan said UMNO leaders and members should realise by now that it was important for them to place the party's interests above their personal interests.

"Today's political scenario, if not addressed wisely, will bring about a very negative impact on UMNO," he added.