My article in MALAYSIAKINI today:

UMNO HAS FORGOTTEN CONTRIBUTION OF BN PARTNERS
Mohd Kamal AbdullahNov 16, 06 4:28pm


The current debates at the Umno general assembly clearly portray that Umno - which claims to be the leader of the Barisan Nasional - has forgotten the assistance of the other communities in Malaysia.

During the previous general elections, due to the loyalty of the other communities, the Barisan Nasional, were able to form the government. If the other communities had turned way, Umno would have been a total wreck. How easily they forget history. The Umno leaders should actually appreciate the commitment, loyalty and support these non-Malay parties have delivered to the Barisan Nasional.

There has been talk that S Samy Vellu, Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Ong Tee Kiat should bow down to Umno although they are leaders of and in their respective parties within the coalition. Actually, having given Umno so much of clout itself is a great sacrifice that these leaders and their parties have given.

Umno should punish their own ‘looking for power’ leaders or face a great challenge in the coming polls. With the ever-present rifts in Umno, the next polls, without the backing of the other component parties, will see Barisan Nasional losing hands down. I want to see the day this happens and what these so-called Umno leaders are going to say then.

It is also time for the other component parties in the Barisan Nasional to take stock. Should they remain in the coalition and be continued to be shamed, then they may want to face the general elections on their own.

The Umnoputras have gained considerable benefits at the expense of the other races and rather than trying to be appreciative, they have become offensive as though they are the natives of the soil. One can deem Umno's current outburst as a total 'curang ajar'.