Struggle And Love For Country Must Not Diminish - M'sian PM Najib

PASIR SALAK (Perak, Malaysia), Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak said the struggle and love for race and country should not diminish among the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) members particularly the party's leaders even though the nation has progressed over the years. "These two values cannot be set aside or replaced with other elements. It is the be-all and end-all of our party," he said during a gathering with 300 Pasir Salak Umno veterans here Saturday. He said in the face of current and future challenges, Umno leaders must not forget the value of history including those who had sacrificed for the party. "Early leaders were highly entrenched in nationalism so much so that they readily struggled in the interest of race and country without expecting rewards or position in return." Najib said if Umno leaders failed to acknowledge and learn from history they would repeat past mistakes. "Hence, we must appreciate the contribution by Umno veterans and learn from them," he said. Meanwhile, he urged party members to fully support candidates chosen to represent the Barisan Nasional (National Front - BN) in the next general election. Umno is the largest political party and the founding member of the coalition BN government. Also present at the function were Perak Chief Minister Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, Pasir Salak MP Mohd Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and former Perak Chief Minister Ramli Ngah Talib. -- BERNAMA