• Mahathir talks racism again

Former prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir, is up to no good again. Together with Perkasa, an NGO whose sole purpose is to ‘uphold’ Malay rights, Mahathir is warning the Malays as UMNO powers wane, so does Malay rights, priviledges and honour. Usurped by the non-Malays under the veil of liberalisation.

Time and time again, we have UMNO politicians shout racial overtones whenever situation calls for it. And everytime non-Malays are portrayed as enemies. Disrespecting the Malays. Making more and more demands that would erode the priviledges and voice of the Malays. This is UMNO’s way of staying in power. For more than 50 years, the racial card remains an effective tool for UMNO.

I have my doubts as to whether Pakatan Rakyat (PKR in particular) has the calibre to overcome UMNO’s extreme form of racism. March 08 may have shown Malaysians maturing beyond racism. But is it enough to indicate a whole generation of young Malaysians to be color blind? PKR touts helping the multi-racial community that are in need while striving to gain the vote of more narrow-minded Malays who fear a louder voice in Chinese and Indians. Tall order indeed.

One election is not enough to prove a paradigm shift in the minds of Malays. More acid-tests in the form of GE13, GE14 and GE15 and the numerous by-elections is needed to see whether the modern Malays can break free from decades of UMNO propaganda.

Malaysia under the rule of UMNO is so in denial when it is so obvious racial-based policies are in place to blatantly help only one race to such an extreme. UMNO feed the Malays with claims of racial supremacy over other races. Generations of Chinese and Indians have stood silent for decades as UMNO pillage the nation, exploit racism and portray them as threats to the Malays.

Respect is earned. Free the country from racial policies. Help those in need regardless of race. Promote a society that champions merit-based achievements. Most of all, create an educated society that abhors racism and corruption.