BERA, Dec 18 – Vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the basis of Umno struggle is to unite the Malays, Muslims and Bumiputeras in the country.

According to the Prime Minister, Umno managed to unite the Malays in 1946 to the extent that the British recognised their strength.

“The strength of the Malays is unity. Not only that, we were also a catalyst that united all races. That is why we set up Perikatan which binded Umno with MCA and MIC.

“This history cannot be forgotten. It means we are not only champions of Malay unification but also other races,” he said when officiating Bera Division Delegates Meeting here, today.

He further explained that the second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak also managed to unite the people by establishing a larger coalition namely Barisan Nasional (BN).

“If there were only three parties under Perikatan, finally in 1974 he managed to attract dozens of parties. This is Umno that always calls for unity and unification,” he said.

“But when I spoke at Bera last week, I was misunderstood, various slanders came out. When I mention Malay unification, it does not mean only Malay parties but also Malay non-governmental organisations (NGOs). I hope we are open minded in this matter.

“Umno needs to be expanded further. Apart from finding new members to join us, we should open up and find more Malay organisations to become associate members,” he added.

Therefore, he said, Malay unification is not only focused on political parties only but is open to Malay NGOs.