I am throughly aghast with the choice of issues raised by the Umno delegates at their recent annual assembly. Allegations that the Chinese Malaysians are depriving the Malays of economic opportunities was mentioned a few times.
Of course, I should not forget about the 'keris' kissing antics of Hishamuddin Hussein Onn. Why are the Umno delegates attacking the Chinese? Why is it when there is a perceived 'chips-are-down' feeling, Umno members chose to attack the Chinese?
I was born and bred in Malaysia. My great-grandfather is from China and I am a third-generation Malaysian. I take great umbrage that my Umno friends sees fit to attack my race and my beliefs. They do it so openly and there seems to be an air of arrogance when they take to the podium and berate us Chinese.
Their statements, prima facie, were seditious as per the Sedition Act. I cannot accept that the mere diplomatic content of the closing speech of the Umno president, who is also our prime minister, will mend the wounds caused by the delegates' speeches.
I am certain that nobody likes to hear attacks on their race and beliefs. The Umno delegates were out of line, out of order and downright recalcitrant. Pak Lah and his deputy Najib Razak had earlier, before the start of the assembly, urged members not to talk of race and religion.
To me, this is conduct unbecoming of the delegates. Since Umno is in control of our country, my message to our government is that you have lost my vote when the next general elections come around. I am certain I am not alone.