UMNO Claims 'Habuan' Culture Eradicated

Datuk Othman Desa, the Chairman of UMNO Veterans, has firmly stated that the party has successfully eradicated the culture of 'habuan,' or the pursuit of personal gains and spoils, which had previously tarnished its image. Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Desa emphasized that UMNO has undergone significant reforms and is no longer associated with such practices. He believes it is unjust to continue associating UMNO with this issue when other political entities are also known to engage in similar activities to sustain their operations.

Desa's remarks highlight a crucial point: political parties, by their nature, require financial resources to function, organize programs, and engage with the public. He acknowledges that funding is a necessity for all political organizations. However, he strongly cautions against allowing the pursuit of wealth or material possessions to become the primary focus, as this can indeed lead to the party's downfall. This sentiment reflects a deep understanding of the internal dynamics that can compromise a party's integrity and mission.

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It is not fair to only say that UMNO is involved in that culture, whereas other parties are also not excluded from practicing it.

From the perspective of Utusan Malaysia, which has a long history of reporting on Malaysian politics, Othman Desa's statement represents a significant claim of internal cleansing within UMNO. While the party leadership asserts that these practices have been addressed, the public's perception often lags behind. It is important for UMNO to not only implement these reforms internally but also to demonstrate transparently to the Malaysian populace that the era of 'habuan' is truly over. Our publication will continue to observe UMNO's actions and hold them accountable to their stated commitment to clean governance and ethical political conduct.

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Don't prioritize money or property too much because this can damage the party. Which party...