DEAR Akmal Saleh,

While I understand that your statements are intended for the Umno audience, have you ever considered how other Malaysians perceive you? Is this truly how you and your party engage with the wider community? Your diagnosis is flawed, and your prescription is outrageous.

When a law infringes on the rights of others, people have the democratic right to express their views. Your party, Umno, is part of the Madani government, which promotes trust, respect, and compassion. Teresa Kok is a victim because this government has failed to uphold these core values.

If the Madani initiative truly embraces these values, the government must reflect them in its policies. Forcing outlets to comply with Jakim’s halal certification without dialogue is reminiscent of Umno’s old ways. So, what does a unity government really mean?

There are now over fifty police reports filed against this MP. What does that say about the Madani Government? Has Madani fallen to the level of 1Malaysia, Islam Hadhari, Keluarga Malaysia, Vision 2020, and the Rukunegara – slogans used to appease but never backed by action?

Words are meaningless without action. This government’s failure in this instance only highlights its shortcomings.

Akmal, your outrageous remarks reveal your ignorance of the Madani culture. The days of the kris and inflammatory rhetoric are long gone. One of your leaders who played that game is in jail, while another, who once wielded the kris, has lost credibility and remains silent.

The challenges facing Umno today cannot be addressed using outdated methods. The stark reality is that Umno is quietly drifting into oblivion. Despite numerous meetings, the party continues to focus on race and religion rather than addressing the real issues affecting ordinary citizens – rising prices, inflation, climate change, floods, food security, the environment, subsidies, and education.

Umno assemblies rarely produce intelligent or forward-thinking policies that serve the interests of all Malaysians. The sense of victimhood persists, and the party still believes someone is always taking advantage of Malay entitlements.

Now, the party demands 20% of plantation land for Bumiputra ventures – a return to rent-seeking and special privileges. Look at the failures of Felda, Mara, Felcra, Islamic travel agencies, MAS, and the endless corruption news that floods our headlines. This is the legacy of Umno/BN.

Umno has championed special preferences for over five decades, yet still cries for protection. Look at the wealth accumulated by the elite within the party. Consider the multiple pensions Umno MPs receive monthly.

It’s time for a critique of the National Economic Policy and a reflection on why the Rukunegara failed to create a united nation. While no one begrudges Malay-Muslim-Bumiputra preferences, it’s worth asking whether this approach continues to contribute to a cohesive Malaysian society. Fifty-four years on, and the same cries persist. If not, it’s time for change.

The critical issues facing the nation must be debated, and the Malay-Bumiputra community must lead this dialogue. Otherwise, in a society where sedition laws are easily applied, discussions risk being framed as racial or religious conflicts.

Meanwhile, Malaysians in rural areas – farmers, fishermen – face dire challenges. Political rhetoric centres on religion, not on health, safety, prices, access to water, or the general wellbeing of Malaysians.

Look at what is happening in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, where religion has been used as a rigid political tool. These nations have become so fractured that even many reasonable Muslims reject the closed nature of their societies and the treatment of women. Intra-Islamic conflicts are rife in these countries.

Umno, at present, holds only 26 seats – just over 10% of the Dewan Rakyat – and with BN, they control 30 out of 222 seats. In the face of such a crisis, one would expect fresh policies and directions. Yet Umno continues to sing the same old tune. The ground has shifted, and unless Umno can bring people together, it has no future.

Race is not a cause; it is sectarian. The more emphasis placed on race, the more excluded others feel. Race divides. It also justifies corruption, as it lacks the transcendent values that unite people – justice, innovation, respect, and trust.

Sabah and Sarawak are no longer fixed deposits. They have earned their rightful place, and with the disillusionment felt by non-Malays in the Peninsula, those who cling to race and identity politics will face a heavy toll.

Today, Umno remains in power as part of the unity government. But if it fails to change its rhetoric, it will not get a second chance. Now, we witness a former Umno president engaged in a court case with the current president over who is “more Malay.” One argues about Indian origins, the other about Indonesian origins – all over their names. This is the end result of playing the race card. Look at where Dr Mahathir Mohamad has ended up – he is no longer even in Umno.

Consider how many Umno politicians have defected to Bersatu and PAS. They left because these other parties also play the race card. These leaders are united not by a just cause but by identity politics and greed.

A few politicians have also left DAP and Pakatan Harapan, but not on the same scale as Umno/BN defections. This is because DAP stands for democratic socialism, while PH stands for justice and fairness.

No race gains by belittling another. You reap what you sow, and natural laws work to maintain balance in this universe that belongs to all of us. You can advocate for a level playing field abroad, but ignore the realities at home.

We live in an interdependent world of diversity. We need each other, and unless Umno adopts an inclusive approach to politics, its future remains bleak. They would be lucky to retain the 26 seats they currently hold in a fractured Malay polity divided by race and religion. The numbers will likely decrease, not rise.

The name “Umno” is a misnomer. Instead of being united, it stands fractured. The rhetoric of people like Akmal is not the voice needed from Umno. Few within the party seem to have the political acumen or leadership to chart a new course.

Umno will continue to fracture unless it finds a cause that unites all Malaysians. MCA and MIC, mere shadows of their former selves, face the same fate as they cling to race polemics.

Umno’s cause now is to free Najib Razak. What does this say about its mindset? This kleptocrat, who tarnished Malaysia’s reputation on the world stage, is its mascot. How bankrupt can you get? The highest court in the land found him guilty. Where is the patriotism? The nation deserves better.

So, keep shouting and threatening – it means little. We need policies that make a difference to all Malaysians. – September 12, 2024.

* K. Haridas reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.