KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 15 -- Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has rejected claims that the party is silent or submissive within the federal government, insisting it plays a decisive role in shaping Cabinet decisions and safeguarding Malay interests.

Speaking at party's assembly last night, Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, cited three key examples where the party had successfully influenced government policy, including delaying the proposed Urban Renewal Act over concerns it could threaten Malay land ownership in urban areas.

His second example was Umno's opposition to the reintroduction of local council elections, a move he argued would have exacerbated racial polarisation.

"There were component parties that were eager to push...