On Tuesday night, I forced myself to watch television and listen to some of the speeches by leaders and delegates of Umno's Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings. Normally, an Average Joe would not bother as we have been told time and again, it is no business of ours. Then again, our PM and DPM are selected only from Umno, whether we like it or not.

As usual, Umno conventions are a time for racial politics and this time around it was no different. But for a race-based party to tell others not to play racial card is quite bewildering and does not make sense. It was simply patronising and a clear example of, 'Do what I tell you to do, not what I do'.

To be honest, most members of the public were quite happy until we listened to the speeches by Umno leaders. How could we not be upset by fiery racist speeches made by future government leaders who could not care less what the other races think of them?

It is also hard to comprehend how a party at the helm for almost 50 years could not increase the wealth of its own race as claimed. The leaders set the rules, allocate the funds, set up the GLCs, control the armed forces, run the civil service, and can literally take over any company they fancy. It was suggested that because of 400 years of colonial rule, perhaps it needs the same number of years to undo the damage.

The message we have received seems to be that NEP will truly be a Never Ending Policy and that Umno will not entertain any other suggestion. Of course, we have been conditioned and are now resigned to that line of thinking.

Perhaps by the next general election, which is expected to be as early as 2007, it is time for other coalition partners to seriously reconsider their positions in BN. Gerakan's heir apparent was told in no uncertain terms that he had offended the Umno president, after all.

Perhaps it is timely to consider withdrawing from BN. The late Dr Tan Chee Khoon had wished they had not joined. Let the people of Penang decide who should be the chief minister instead of being a lame duck one.

I foresee the scenario in different stages. Unless MCA and MIC take the initiative to become multi-racial parties or leave the coalition, their candidates will be trounced in the next general election.

At the moment, they are seen as hanging on to their ministerial positions and do not get due respect from their own race. What good is the stance of looking after the interests of one's own race when we should be working towards national unity and development? If the anchor party has time and again stressed on their right to rule the country in any way they like, wouldn't it be better to be independent parties and hold your heads up high in upholding integrity and principles of universal value?

I think I am not alone in feeling upset each time MCA leaders are cowed into keeping quiet to toe the line within BN. Over a period of time, Umno will be isolated if enough people feel the need for a change of mindset and political system. Any other party, which tries to take the opportunity of filling the vacuum left by the original coalition partners, will be trounced too.

Perhaps I have an 'agenda' and the word is made to seem sinister, but I am just hoping for a situation where all the races can live happily as Malaysians and not to feel inferior in our own country and be reminded of our de facto second-class status at every turn.