UMNO APOLOGISES

Late this evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak issued a public apology to all Malaysians over the racist statement made by Ahmad Ismail, the Umno Bukit Bendera division head, in the run-up to the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election.
This is seen by many as a departure from the "arrogant" Umno, we used to know and is definitely better than "I will tell him not to do it again" statement.
I hope the party, being the backbone of the Barisan Nasional, realises that it does not merely cater for one single race but also is watched by other races in the country.
Umno leaders should realise that they do not just cater for a specific race and should watch what they say.
We in the MIC, MCA or even Gerakan even at our general assemblies are controlled in our words even when we talk about Bumiputera policies and privileges. They too should do the same.
They also need to realise the change in the nation's political landscape and the time has come for them to make sweeping statement, that could hurt the feelings of other races.
We need to bring back the good old days of tolerance, unity with sincerity and not mere words. Let us hope that this mistake would not be repeated and that the Bukit Bendera Umno division head would be dealt with accordingly by the party.

HAPPY 51ST INDEPENDENCE DAY

First and foremost, I would like to wish all Malaysians Selamat Hari Merdeka. It has been 51 years since we gained Independence from the British and yes, we have come a long way.
Although there are many issues, especially those related to race and religion, that needs to be ironed out, we have progressed.

Now to more pressing issues at hand. During the Permatang Pauh by-election, it was reported that the Umno Bukit Bendera division chief Ahmad Ismail at a ceramah said that the Malaysian Chinese were "squatters or temporary residents" of the country, thus they do not qualify to be given equal rights. This statement had prompted a barrage of criticism from the MCA and Gerakan. The MIC Youth too have come out with statements slamming the Umno leader.
This is a typical Umno leader who wants to champion his or her own political cause especially with the looming Umno divisional elections just around the corner, by making provocative statement without thinking of the consequence.
Did he forget that this is Malaysia and this is also my "tanah tumpah darahku". We non-Malays too have put in our efforts, tears, sweat and everything we have for this nation. We are citizens of this country although our ancestors were Indian and Chinese.
Stern action should be taken against him. He should be suspended of his Umno membership and made an example to other Umno leaders who are thinking of using race and religion to further their own political career.
The Barisan Nasional leadership should use this opportunity to take action against this division leader and gain some support from the non-Malays, which was lost pre March 8.
Once again Selamat Merdeka.