Umno: Malaysia's 'original sin'

What do Johor Umno deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed and party veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah have in common?

Both are stuck behind the veil of past glories and are unable, or unwilling, to open their eyes and see the rapid changes around them.

One thing is for sure, Umno is unrepentant and always looks for ways to call the shots, even when they are not in the position to do so.

And Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s insolent criticism against a veteran DAP MP, who is far more senior to him in age and politics, further proves this party’s tendencies.

While criticising policies is much welcomed, calling Seputeh MP Teresa Kok “Nyonya tua” and urging the government to stick a non-halal sticker on her forehead only shows the third-rate mentality he possesses.

And Razaleigh’s defence of Akmal is probably why the prime minister’s job has been and always will be out of the former Gua Musang MP’s reach.

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah

Not to be outdone, Jazlan on Tuesday called the Chinese community “opportunistic” and unwilling to vote for someone outside their race, should the Umno candidate in Mahkota lose.

Going by that so-called logic, perhaps Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid and Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman - both from DAP - were voted into office by aliens from outer space!

Looking for a scapegoat

The Dewan Negara deputy president’s remarks prove two points - one is that they are already looking for a scapegoat in the event of a defeat and, two, they have scant respect for their ally DAP, which is doing everything possible to help the Umno candidate.

Johor Umno deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed

For starters, Umno forgets it was soundly trashed in the last general election, coming in third after Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional.

What this means is that even the Malays, the community they claim to be championing, could no longer stomach their drivel.

And if PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin had not rejected the unity government proposal made by the previous Agong, which BN happily accepted, Umno would have ended up in the dustbin of Malaysian politics.

For unknown reasons, Umno always finds itself back in the government, which includes post-Sheraton Move.

DAP should self-reflect

In a nutshell, I guess the voters in Mahkota would have decided by now on what to do. I strongly believe that the government could not do much anymore, including the opposition.

But I do have a question for DAP. How long do they want to carry on being humiliated this way?

While it’s understandable that DAP is doing everything possible to keep the coalition government intact, it seems Umno is looking for every way possible not only to undermine the administration but also to turn DAP into its punching bag.

Perhaps, after the Mahkota polls, DAP’s top leadership should call for an emergency meeting to re-evaluate its approach and stand in the coalition government.

While it need not leave the government, it can consider taking a firmer approach to not only appease its core supporters but most importantly, keep its dignity intact.

It’s up to DAP, of course. Right now, it’s not only Umno but even Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who seems to be taking the party’s unwavering support and hard work for granted.

Until then, MCA and MIC can take a break and have a good laugh while enjoying the show. - Mkini

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G VINOD is a member of the Malaysiakini team.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.