Umno Speaker tells Soi Lek to stop questioning Malay rights

Dr Chua has previously called for a review of the Bumiputera equity target. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — Umno permanent chairman Datuk Badruddin Amiruldin urged Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties not to interfere in Malay affairs today.

Badruddin, who chairs the Umno general assembly, also expressed hope that MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek would respect the principles of BN co-operation.

“Soi Lek, we are all friends. Let me tell you not to question the 30 per cent equity,” said Badrudin referring to the Bumiputera equity target under the NEP.

“We want the Chinese, the Malays and the Indians to share the 100 per cent,” said the former Jerai MP.

Badrudin also claimed that Umno had never questioned the citizenship rights of the non-Malays.

“You know Soi Lek, we respect you. We do not call you ‘pendatang’ (immigrants) but you came and questioned the 30 per cent, which is enshrined in the constitution. Do you know that Soi Lek?” he asked.

Badrudin made the impromptu speech after Negri Sembilan delegate Datuk Jalaluddin Alias slammed Dr Chua for allegedly interfering in the Umno assembly affairs.

“We are in a team, don’t fight with each other. MCA, Umno, Gerakan we are one team. Let’s work,” he said.

“Don’t fight, let’s throw our support behind the prime minister,” said Badrudin.

Dr Chua had suggested yesterday that the social contract not be debated openly in response to Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s call for discussions on the matter to be stopped.

He had also previously proposed for the 30 per cent Bumiputera equity target to be reviewed.

When opening the assembly yesterday, Najib had called for an end to the race debates, saying that the special position of the Malays was part of the social contract agreed before independence in exchange for citizenship for the non-Malays.

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