Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this

For two years running, we have had Umno leaders, more particularly from the Youth wing, devoid of any character and purpose, drawing adulation and support for themselves by shouting out some battle cry against non-existent enemies. One time it was the Chinese and non-Malays in Malaysia and another it was against Singapore. I hope the unsheathed keris would by now be a thing of the past.

We, the perceived enemies, have played the bogeyman role for far too long. It is getting tiring having to support leaders who know for themselves that they are not relevant to the community they serve.

Sadly, looking at all the vitriol these 'leaders' spew, you find that they seem only to surface when a 'perceived threat' is made out to their race, religion, privileges and 'superiority'. And they remain absolutely silent when one of their own drags everyone into the mud by tarnishing everything that might be good about their organisation.

I dare say that Zakaria Deros, the Selangor assemblyperson and builder and owner of the infamous Istana Zakaria, has caused untold harm to the reputation and good name of Umno. Indeed he has caused more harm and damage to the honour and good name of Umno than the 'bogeymen' who fall prey to the venom of Umno and Umno Youth leaders during every Umno general assembly.

Yet, not a word would be said to censure and punish this man. Indeed, it would not be too surprising to see Zakaria himself rise to champion some cause or other during the forthcoming Umno AGM or a future one. After all, all Umno leaders know that they can't be too far off the mark deriding make-up enemies.

I would like to put forward a challenge to all the Umno leaders. Lead! Lead in a time of peace. Lead during a time when there are no enemies who may threaten the claims of the Malays and Umno. Lead with you looking towards working together with the 'others' of Malaysia to take the country and nation forward as a nation of Malaysians. Lead by looking at the 'others' as allies and not threats to your livelihood or way of life.

I say all this not because we do not need leadership or there is a dearth of leadership. The Umno leadership knows that they can only stay relevant and be needed by their constituents provided their constituents continue to see 'enemies' at their doorstep. It is not that the Malays need enemies. It is more that the Umno leadership who seems to need the 'enemies'.

Can any Umno leader rise to this challenge? Lead your constituents with only friends at your door step, not 'enemies'.

ADS