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.

Race relations

In the phase of post March 8, the issue of Malay unity, racial sensitivities has been constantly raised by certain quarters, especially those with political links. In recent times I can recall at least three incidents. First is the demonstrations by Penang UMNO Youth at the premises of the Penang government. Next would be Ezam's claim that the politics that Anwar has brought in would be lethal and detrimental to the upliftment of the Malays and thirdly the objections made by Malay groups against Bar Council of Malaysia for hosting a forum on the social contract. A Kelantan based group had earlier objected to the function and most recently a groups of NGOs lodged a police report. An UMNO state legislator also made a remark that was seditious in the Perak state assembly

This trend indicate one disturbing fact- politicians are responsible for the deterioration of race relations. This is further exacerbated via implementation of certain policies. For instance the inculcation of Islamic values policies implemented during Anwar's tenure as the minister of education during only served to increase wariness of the non Muslims. From a political perspective it was done to counter PAS' brand of Islam but UMNO did not consider the sensitivities of the other races.

In truth UMNO has used this as a tool whenever they are in the phase of losing support as can be seen now. Now that Malaysians in general have used their voting power to send a message, I do sincerely hope that the average Malaysians would be able to see beyond the racial sphere to have a Malaysia United