By Jeswan Kaur | Malaysiakini
Oct 27, 10 3:47pm

What has made Umno president Najib Abdul Razak and his band of top officials so insecure as to use the Umno general assembly to harp on Malay rights and privileges?

Last week’s 61st general assembly once again revealed the party’s ugly side as Najib, deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-presidents Shafie Apdal and Hishammuddin Hussein reminded the ‘other races’ not to question the Malay rights and privileges.

In short, all three told non-Malays to leave the federal constitution alone with regard to Article 153, which assures the special privileges of the Malays and the bumiputera of Sabah and Sarawak.

Why does Najib play with public emotions by raising the issue? How dare he make the irresponsible remark that “the Malays had actually made the biggest sacrifice to achieve independence when they were willing to share the ownership of the Tanah Melayu, … their motherland, with the other races”.

The immaturity of Najib and his ‘three stooges’ has only confirmed their deep-rooted insecurity, as they shamelessly threatened non-Malays not to debate Article 153.

Najib, in spite of his 1Malaysia propaganda, showed his divisiveness when he made it clear that non-Malays must be thankful to the Malays for being allowed to take shelter in this country.

If 1Malaysia is his way to votes, then Najib is in for a rude surprise. He needs the votes of all Malaysians, but statements hitting out at non-Malays will only work in the opposition’s favour.

Umno is no longer a party that can be looked upon with admiration and respect. The party’s obsession with power – and absolute power at that – is terrifying because it is being achieved via the ‘divide and rule’ method.

Umno founder’s vision

Najib must bear in mind that Umno founder Onn Jaafar left the party because he was disgusted with its communal policies, after his suggestion to open membership to non-Malays was met with objection among the Malays.

Onn had the foresight to note the importance of inclusion but his vision was not appreciated by hardcore members. He then quit as Umno president and formed the Independence of Malaya Party whose membership was open to people of all races.

Najib and Muhyiddin should set an example as leaders who are wise enough to note the pulse of the nation.

When Muyhiddin (right) boasted that he is “Malay first”, for example, Najib should have admonished his deputy.

Instead, it was life as usual for both, with no regard shown for the sentiments of non-Malays.

Such remarks do not speak well of Malaysia’s leadership, and leave the people with little faith in the administration.

JESWAN KAUR was a journalist who spent many years writing for the mainstream media before deciding to ‘break free’ and put pen to paper to focus on and fight for issues that are conveniently marginalised by the powers-that-be.