Dr Akmal Saleh, while your remarks may be intended for an Umno audience, have you considered how they’re perceived by other Malaysians? Is this how you and your party engage with the wider community? Your diagnosis is flawed, and your prescription outrageous.
In a democracy, when a law impinges on the rights of others, they have the right to express their views. Your party, Umno, is part of the “Madani” (civil and compassionate) government, which espouses Trust, Respect and Compassion. Teresa Kok is a victim because this Madani government has failed to practise these key values.
If these are indeed the core principles of the Madani initiative, the government must demonstrate them through its policies. Suddenly expecting outlets to subscribe to Jakim’s halal certification without dialogue is reminiscent of Umno’s old ruling style. What, then, does a “unity government” truly mean?
Over fifty police reports have been filed against this MP. What does this say about the Madani government? Has it fallen to the level of previous slogans like 1Malaysia, Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam), Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family), Vision 2020 and the Rukun Negara (National Principles) – mere appeasements without genuine action? Words matter little; it’s action that exemplifies commitment. This case sadly highlights the government’s failure in this regard.
Akmal, your outrageous remarks demonstrate ignorance of the Madani culture. The days of brandishing the keris and making inflammatory statements are long past. One of your leaders who played this game is in prison, while another who wielded the keris has lost credibility, hence his silence.
Today’s challenges, even within Umno, cannot be addressed as they were in the past. The stark reality facing your party is a quiet journey into oblivion. Umno meetings continue to rehash the same issues of race and religion, neglecting the pressing concerns of ordinary people: price hikes, inflation, climate change, floods, weak food security, environmental degradation, subsidy cuts and a floundering education system.
Umno assemblies rarely produce intelligent, forward-looking policies that serve the people’s interests. A sense of victimhood persists, with a perception that someone is always taking advantage of their dues. Now, there’s a proposal for plantation companies to give 20% of their land back for bumiputra ventures – another handout, another rent-seeking opportunity. Consider the failures of agencies like Felda, Mara, Felcra and Malaysia Airlines, and the daily corruption news we’re fed. That’s the legacy of Umno-Barisan Nasional.
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Look at his political party that has championed special preferences for over five decades. Yet their leaders cry as though they still need protection. Look at the wealth amassed by the party elite and the multiple pensions and allowances their MPs receive monthly.
It’s time to critically evaluate the New Economic Policy and why the Rukun Negara has failed to create a nation exemplifying “unity in diversity.” While no one begrudges the primacy of Malay-Muslim-bumiputra preferential treatment, will this contribute to creating a cohesive Malaysian society in the long run?
These are the critical issues that must be debated, with leadership for this dialogue coming from the Malay-bumiputra community. Otherwise, in this sedition-flagged society, issues can easily be misconstrued as “racial” or “religious”.
Meanwhile, ordinary people in kampongs and rural areas, farmers, and fishermen face dire challenges. Unfortunately, political rhetoric focuses on religion – rather than health, safety, essential item prices, access to water and overall wellbeing.
Look at what’s happening in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan when the diet has been religion of the most closed nature. This has fractured their societies so much that many reasonable Muslims are unable to accept such rigidities and the way women are treated.
Consider Umno’s current position: only 26 seats, just above a 10% presence in the House of Representatives. Together with other BN representatives, they have 30 seats in the 222-seat House. A party facing such a crisis should band together with fresh policies and directions, taking advantage of the changing landscape. Instead, Umno still dances to the same tune.
Race is not a cause; it’s sectarian and divisive. The more you emphasise one ‘race’, the more others feel excluded.
It also justifies corruption, as it doesn’t represent a transcendent value everyone can commit to. Contrast that with the Madani values of Justice, Innovation, Respect and Trust.
Be cautious: Sabah and Sarawak are no longer fixed deposits. They, along with the disenchanted ethnic minorities in the peninsula, can exact a heavy toll on those who continue to play race-and-identity politics.
Today, Umno is still in power as part of a unity government. If this doesn’t help change its rhetoric, there will be no second chance. Witness a former Umno president engaged in a court case with the current president over who is more Malay. This is the net effect of playing the race card.
Look at where Dr Mahathir Mohamad has ended up – not even within Umno! Consider the many Umno politicians who have left to join Bersatu and Pas. They left because the cause of race is also promoted by these other parties. Their leaders are united not by a just cause but by identity politics and greed.
A few politicians have left both the DAP and Pakatan Harapan (PH), but not to the extent as the Umno-BN representatives. This is because the DAP stands for democratic socialism while PH stands for justice and fairness – at least in name.
No race can gain by belittling another. We live in an interdependent world of diversity. We need one another, and unless you inject an inclusive approach into your politics, there is little future for Umno and its leaders.
The party name itself is a misnomer. Instead of being United, Umno stands fractured. The rhetoric of people like Akmal is not the voice needed from Umno. It seems few within Umno have the political acumen and leadership to chart a new direction.
Umno’s current cause seems to be getting Najib Razak liberated. What does this say about the party’s mindset? This kleptocrat, who caused so much damage to Malaysia’s reputation and international standing, is their mascot. How bankrupt can you get? The highest court in the land has found him guilty. What does this say of the party’s patriotism when it puts the interests of a tarnished leader ahead of the national interest?
So, continue shouting and threatening. All this means little as we look to the future. We need policies that can make a difference to everyone in Malaysia.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
