The time has come for UMNO to offer a new deal to the Malays dubbed as 'Agenda Melayu Maju' (Progressive Malay Agenda), a radical transformation and a new hope for them in terms of economic resilience, said a delegate from Johor.

Johor UMNO Social Media chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said, the Malays were facing extraordinary challenges, among others the globalisation wave, modernisation, and the advancement of the digital world.

"The real issue of the Malays today, is their preparedness and the competitiveness to function and succeed in the 21st century and how the Malays can live in prosperity and be successful in the Malaysian environment, today.

"UMNO has to respond to the real problem of the Malays well, as UMNO is their political strength," he said, when debating the president's policy speech at the UMNO General Assembly 2016, today.

Ayub who is representing Sekijang UMNO said, Johor UMNO had outlined seven elements to be listed in the agenda, including providing quality skill-based education.

"The agenda would be a new offer from UMNO to the Malays, especially when the general election is around the corner. Let them evaluate what we have planned, and wish to do for their future," he said.

This, he said, would prove that UMNO was more than a mere rhetorical and emotional political movement.-- Bernama