I am very proud to read the strong letters of protest from a good cross section of malaysiakini's readership against the recent chauvinistic remarks by Badruddin Amiruldin, the newly appointed deputy permanent secretary of Umno.

The uncalled for remarks were a wanton provocation that has upset the non-bumiputeras and are a source of embarrassment to the new generation of bumiputeras. Such a provocation has threatened the hope for the creation of a truly Malaysian society.

The rousing applause that was given to Badruddin Amiruldin for uttering such a provocation seems to suggest that most Umno members still accept such chauvinistic remarks as a pious mantras that invoke their solidarity as much as they re-assert Umno's raison d'etre .

The strident voices of protest from malaysiakini readers are a very strong signal that the new generation of Malaysians has now outgrown the narrow and racist political ideology of Umno.

The leadership of Umno is now fast becoming irrelevant to a growing segment of the Malaysian society who are now in the process of emancipating their truly Malaysian identity. They are now in desperate need for a forum to express and articulate themselves.

The 'feel good' factor that overwhelmed them when Pak Lah assumed the leadership of the country is now fast fading away. Their expectations for a speedy liberation from the outmoded feudalistic mindset of the past to be replaced by a more liberated and enlightened values are not

immediately forth coming.

On the contrary, provocations by senior Umno politicians like Badruddin would only serve to create a profound sense of disillusionment, which may lead to their disenchantment with Pak Lah. Indeed Umno is fast becoming a sanctuary for ancient people like Badruddin who would continue to haunt modern Malaysians.

The persistently racist and divisive character of Malaysian politics has made some Malaysians, especially professionals, to loose interest in politics. They are more attracted to NGOs which have the safe promotion of the Malaysian society in mind.

Umno therefore, has clearly failed to reinvent itself to maintain its relevance with the times and aspirations of the new generation of Malaysians.

It is now evident that the landslide victory given to the Barisan Nasional at the last general election was a show of abhorrence against the leadership of Dr Mahathir Mohamad more than a support for BN or Pak Lah.