KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Following are some of the words of wisdom from Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his policy speech delivered at the opening of the Umno General Assembly 2009 at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre, here, today.

On Umno's struggle:

• Umno should be seen, regarded and trusted as a party that is capable of looking after the lot of the people. Umno cannot be seen as a party which is only passionate about struggling for the interest of a small group. Instead, we want Umno to be seen, felt and fully trusted as a party that is inclusive and that puts the interests of the people before personal interests. Therefore, the perception that Umno is a party for people to "cari makan" (earn a living) must be erased and discarded.
• Umno can no longer be seen as a party to be leaning towards a certain group only. As the pillar of the ruling government, we cannot afford to be viewed as focusing only on big-business initiatives or mega projects, but we must instead be a party that champions the people's interests.
• Believe it, that our strugle is the right struggle, that our struggle is a true struggle. We are Umno, the one party that brings the flame of hope and capable of charting a bright future for the people.

  Whatever the challenges, whatever the hurdles, with a mount of hope, we continue this journey with confidence, all dreams will be fulfilled, a drop will become an ocean, a clump will become a mountain.

On Barisan Nasional's victory in the Bagan Pinang by-election:

• We should not easily feel comfortable or relieved that we have become a party which is the people's choice, just because there is no other party that can be relied upon, or in other words, the best among the bad.
• We want Umno to be accepted by the people as a party that not only struggle for the lot of the Malays and Bumiputeras, but for all the ethnic groups in Malaysia.

On the importance of history:

• Historical events should not only be examplary and be followed, they should also serve as reminders and boundaries for mankind in managing current realities so as to chart a more successful future.

On Umno's role after the May 13, 1969 incident:

• Umno worked hard to return democracy after 18 months. This clearly shows that Umno is not power-crazy, and far from being a racist party.

On Umno leadership:

• Among the attributes most admired and desired from leaders by the people are humility and unwordliness. Remember that in a democratic country like ours, it's the people who choose the leaders. The leaders they want are those who are always ready to serve.
• Those who show sincerity and feel joy in serving the people will be highly-regarded leaders .
• To strengthen people's believe in Umno's standing and integrity, it should not just be through strident words, but must be accompanied by practices, actions and activities by all party leaders and members.

On the philosophy of Umno's struggle:

• I urge Umno members to revive the culture of service and volunteerism in the party. Be sincere to serve and contribute without being asked to in the interests of the party and people.

On the Umno constitution amendments:

• After we've made the amendments, we begin a new journey by leaving behind the negative elements such as money politics, so that we become a clean and respected party.

On the 1Malaysia concept:

• The 1Malaysia concept does not at all stray from the spirit of the Federal Constitition as the country's law, whether explicitly or implicitly.

On the 12th general election results:

• We want the people to still love Umno. All they wish is for Umno to transform. Indeed, we are listening to their wish. We will change.