I refer to malaysiakini report Umno willing to bathe in blood . As a Muslim and a Malay, it saddens me there while we are in living in the 21st century, there are still some people who have to resort to racial rhetoric to make their voices heard in order to stand out in the crowd.

Divide-and-rule tactics, which were successfully used by our colonial masters to rule our country before independence are still being practiced by our local politicians here to remain in power. A youth leader who held a keris at the assembly will send a wrong message in that the Malay will resort to an 'amok mentality' if they see that their 'rights' being taken away by the non-bumiputeras of this country.

Malaysia has achieved much after independence in 1957 and the young nowadays are not like their parents and grandparents who had little schooling during their time. Most of the recipients of the NEP's benefits who have studied overseas can think for themselves what is right and wrong with government policies. They may well welcome openly democratic policies which are being practiced by other matured and civilised societies.

As a result of government affirmative actions in the early days, there are a lot of middle-class Malays who have done well in life and who have minds that are more open and critical when discussing government policies which only benefit the elite of society rather than the masses who are stuck in abject poverty because a slice of the economic pie doesn't reach them.

Poverty doesn't discriminate and it is a fallacy to assume that the Malays are the only ones who need government help to get out of their cycle of poverty. Other races too have their share of poor people and need affirmative action and government funds (read, taxpayers hard-earned money) to help them and their families to get a leg up to improve their economic well-being.

As the world is getting smaller due to globalisation and free trade, the NEP, which has been in existence for more than 30 years, should be abolished as its noble aim to improve the standard of living of the bumiputera community has been hijacked by the ruling elite to enrich themselves and their family members.

The delegates attending the Umno meeting did not touch corruption and abuse of power but as usual heaped praises upon praises upon our top leaders. It was as if those attending the general assembly were in denial about the failing of their leaders to stop the rot before it destroys the very fabric of our society.

To play the racial and religious cards is a sure way to move up the Umno political ladder in politics but it is to play with fire. As long as the words of Umno leaders don't match their deeds, the next general elections may well be their Waterloo. The young and educated of this nation cannot stand hypocritical leaders who doesn't practice what they preach.