TANGKAK: The challenges faced by the Malays in the coming general election equal those which they had to overcome in 1946, 1957 and 1969.Johor Umno chief Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, who said this yesterday, pointed out that the weakening bonds among the Malays due to political differences could have disastrous consequences on the community after the next general election.
He made the reference to 1946 as that was the year the Malays formed Umno to fight the Malayan Union; 1957 - the fight for Merdeka and 1969 - the decisive general election which led to the racial riots that year.
Ghani, who was delivering a speech at the Ledang Umno division which he leads, said the alliance of DAP, PKR and Pas was working on a strategy of undermining Malay unity by attacking Umno as part of their preparations for the coming election.
"Every statement by Umno leaders calling for Malay unity has been labelled racist. This is the main strategy of the opposition to instil hatred for Umno."
Ghani, who is also the menteri besar, said the Malay-based PKR and Pas were now toeing the line of the DAP because of their desire for power.
"They are even supporting DAP's priority of reducing Malay interest as they want DAP to help them gain the votes of the non-Malays in the urban areas."
Ghani said the confidence among the opposition that Malay disunity would enable them to take over the government could be reflected by a recent statement of Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng that they would win in Johor with 80 per cent votes from the Chinese, 60 per cent from Indians and 50 per cent from Malays.
"It shows that they are confident that the Malay votes will be split and this will enable them to gain power."
Ghani said the Malays, irrespective of their political affiliation, needed to reflect on their future, failing which their fate as a community would be at peril.
SOURCE: NST, MAY 9, 2011
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