Premier's wishes go unheeded

Looking at the current developments it is clear that Premier cum UMNO president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's plan of power transition to deputy Najib ain't going well. While the introduction of a code of ethics within UMNO may have slowed Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah's campaign for the presidency, it definitely did not deter UMNO branches to nominate other leaders for the supremo post.

The Malaysian Insider story clearly indicates the unhappiness of grassroot UMNO members as they nominate other names for the top two position in the party. The road ahead is certainly not a bed of roses for Abdullah as immediate past UMNO president cum predecessor to Abdullah, Dr Mahathir has yet to cease his calls for Abdullah to step down from outside UMNO. The Najib - Muhyiddin duo has been nominated by some branches. However for an election to take place, candidates need to obtain a minimum amount of nominations.

Having said that, while UMNO members in general have lost confidence in Abdullah, he had an ally who is confident of his administration. The statement by party president of PAS, Hadi Awang, came in as a surprise as he supported Abdullah's administration. On the other hand, PAS Spiritual Leader, Nik Aziz Nik Mat's statement was shocking. Statement of PAS leaders were shown on Buletin Utama and NTV 7 News (July 26 2008).

Nik Aziz had called for the formation of a new Malay Islamist party that would be done after the dissolution of UMNO and PAS.

And only weeks ago, Nik Aziz rejected the notion of PAS - UMNO unification in the interest of the Malays and Islam. On a similar note, Khoo Kay Peng questions whether there is a disunity among the Malays.

Threading Malay unity talks and racist remarks

Following the revelation by Khir Toyo I have to agree Lim Kit Siang that it is Malaysian unity that has to be emphasized. The unity exemplified by the voters had brought in the strongest opposition legislators post 1969. Many UMNO leaders may claim that there is no unity.

I beg to differ. What they see as disunity to me, is merely difference in political leanings, regardless whether a Malay supports UMNO, PAS or PKR. Come to think of it, there were already rumours that there is going to be a demonstration by grassroot PAS Youth in front of their headquarters.

Doesn't that that cause disunity among PAS members? Is UMNO trying to create a discord within PAS at a time when UMNO itself is having problems.

Khir Toyo's statement on the talks is displays a high tendency of racism. This is despite the fact that the non Malays would never threaten the position of the Malays. Plus they are not in a position to do so. So the very notion of Malay unity, I believe, is only meant to be a tool for UMNO to use as a last resort when it undergoes its lowest point.