KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak stressed today that Umno should not be seen by its members as a party that was passionate only about championing a small group and as a money-making party.

"The perception of Umno as party to make money must be thrown far away, must be discarded," stressed the Prime Minister when delivering his speech at the Umno general assembly here today.

Najib, who took over the party and government from Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi early this year, outlined the changes that needed to be made by members and the party.

As the backbone of the Barisan Nasional (BN), Umno together with other component parties was taking step to restore and strengthen the support of the people towards the government after losing two-thirds majority in the 2008 general election.

In his forceful and straightforward speech, Najib seemed successful in injecting confidence and spirit into the 2,500 delegates to return the party to its glory thorugh changes being made by the party.

"Rise with me, close ranks. Answer the call. Come to further dignify this heritage (Umno)," he said to a thunderous standing ovation at the end of his 1hr 20min speech.

Najib stressed that to always have the support of the masses it was important for Umno to be viewed as and believed to be a party that vigorously looked after the welfare of the people.

"We want Umno to be seen, felt and fully believed to be an inclusive party that puts people first and not itself," he said.

The same delegates will attend the special general assembly this evening after the general assembly is in recess at noon to pass amendments to the party's constitution to make it more open, inclusive and democratic.

The amendments, that were described by Najib as significant steps that were historical and courageous, among others propose the abolishment of the quota system for contesting of highest posts which was linked to money politics.

Najib also called on Umno members at all levels to identify their weaknesses and shortcomings and take steps to rectify them.

"What is important is the members need to have pure and noble values as the basis for the party's strength and worthiness," he said.

Najib also listed the political conduct and culture that he wanted members to practice to ensure the party was accepted by and received the support of the people.

"Among the attributes that are very well liked and desired by the people is humility," he said.

He said members must remember that in a democratic country, it is the people who choose leaders and the leaders they want are those who are always ready to serve.

Najib also wanted the party's leadership to always be close to the party's grassroots and the people.

"The people will hate leaders who keep apart from them, were difficult to approach, what more leaders who were proud and arrogant," he said, adding that people praised leaders who showed sincerity and were committed to them.

Najib also wanted Umno's leadership and members to be renowned for integrity when entrusted with the very important task of getting the people's confidence to be always with Umno.

"If the negative perception about Umno's leaders' integrity and ethics spreads, it will by itself become a major factor in distancing public support for us," he said.

The authority and integrity of the party cannot be strengthened just by shouting but must be translated into and be seen in practices, conduct and activities as well as the work of all members and leaders, he stressed.

"God willing, the people will accept the party again, wholeheartedly," he said.

Najib recounted that the pioneers of Umno built the party on the basis of the philosophy of struggle, sincerity, sacrifice and high patriotic spirit.

He regretted that many of the present generation took lightly the hard and exhausting efforts of the pioneers who struggled with sincerity, noble hearts and willingness to put up with fatigue.

He wanted Umno members to take a lesson from the sincere sacrifices of Wanita Umno of yore who gave up their jewellery to pay for the delegation to London to negotiate for independence led by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra.

"Before when coming for the Umno assembly, who didn't know New Hotel and King Hotel in Batu Road. The lucky ones enjoyed Majestic Hotel," he said, adding that now many grumble about body aches if they could not stay in a five-star hotel.

As such, Najib called on Umno members to return to the culture of service and volunteerism in the party and provide devoted service to party and people.

He also wanted members and party leaders to always understand the thoughts and aspirations of the people.

Najib expressed confidence that the hopes of Umno's political enemies, who predicted the fall of Umno and wanted to read it its last rites after the 2008 general, would not be realised, instead Umno recovered fully.