Delegates declare victory over Malay rights

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Delegates received well Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s call for the end to race debates, but at the same time they kept up demands for privileges, on day one of the Umno assembly today.

The Umno president’s policy speech was also seen as a sign of victory by the delegates that the constitutional position of the Malays cannot be questioned.

“Umno Youth would like to thank the prime minister, for voicing out the concerns of the younger generation. Datuk Seri had given the assurance that no matter what happens, the special rights of the Malays would continue to be upheld,” said Umno Youth representative Megat Zulkarnain Omardin.

The Umno Youth national executive committee member also took the opportunity to question the authorities for not taking action against those responsible for raising sensitive issues.

“There are 16 cases of insult against the Malay Rulers, the national anthem, and false news but only three cases are being pursued while the rest have been classified ‘no further action’,” said the Gombak Youth chief.

Megat Zulkarnain described the DAP as traitors and called for a mechanism to take action against them.

“The DAP openly attacks and question our rights, yet they feel comfortable because at the same time they are protected. These are people who are willing to sell the interest of the race and religion for political expediency,” he said.

When opening the Umno general assembly Najib had called for an end to the race debates saying that the special position of the Malays is part of the social contract agreed before independence as an exchange for citizenship for the non-Malays.

He stressed that the issues are enshrined in the Federal Constitution and cannot be amended without the consent of the Conference of Rulers.

At the same time, Najib also called on the Malays to be prepared for a new era of race relations and to compete in a more meritocratic environment.

“Do not forget to defend the rights of the Malays, because it is the Malays that put us here as their leaders,” Kuala Lumpur delegate Datuk Mustafa Kamal Yusoff told the assembly.

The Seputeh Umno chief also urged government to ensure that the government-linked companies (GLC) continue to give preferential treatment to Bumiputera businesses.

“I hope the government will look at our GLCs for small projects. If the GLCs are fair I am sure they will get what they deserve,” said Mustafa.

Meanwhile Perak representative Datuk Samsudin Abu Hassan condemned the opposition for what he described as an attempt to hijack Najib’s 1 Malaysia.

“In promoting equality and fairness, certain parties have claimed that 1 Malaysia will not become a reality if the Malays continue to be accorded with special rights,” said Samsudin.

“The rights of the Malays and other races are guaranteed by the constitution. They cannot be bargained,” he added.