Let us as Malaysians try to understand the 'wayang kulit' at the last Umno general assembly in its proper perspective and appreciate what is really happening to our politicians and our country.

The whole episode of the racist remarks made by Umno delegates is nothing new. Indeed, MCA and MIC also make similar racist remarks not only during their annual gatherings but even well before that in order to set the right tone for the gatherings. It's like the wolf calling all members of the pack to assemble for a display of strength against an imagined enemy.

We must remember that the Barisan Nasional is nothing more than a loose composite of race- based political parties. Their continued existence depends strongly on the continued mistrust, envy and animosity each of the races have against each other. Component parties of BN therefore must be able to demonstrate that they continue to be effective as an instrument for sectarian bargaining. Hence perpetuating their relevance.

The game got a bit hotter and rougher this year as Umno as a political party had encountered major challenges. Firstly, there had been major disappointment and disenchantment with the performance of Pak Lah. Infighting, money politics, corruption, loss of side income with less government contracts channeled to party stalwarts had made it necessary for them to fall back on raw racial sentiments to bind party members together again. And at the same time detract public attention away from government failures to implement what it had promised.

Khairy Jamaluddin set the mood by firing the first salvo. The intention was to garner pious support from party members and to divert public attention away from himself. Other equally ambitious party members joined in this racially pious chorus.

Najib Razak, in his attempt to cast away his old 'Jumping Jack' image, played his card well by appearing to firmly stand by Pak Lah. He requested that more time should be given to Pak Lah and supported him going for a second term despite the common knowledge that Pak Lah lacks the stamina to hold the ground now what more for a second term.

Hishammuddin Hussein Onn, on being given the assurance that he would be strongly supported in his future attempt to vie for an Umno vice-president seat, also given his vigorous support to Pak Lah. Of course, KJ would be a very happy man as he could step into the position Hishammuddin leaves, that of the Umno Youth head.

The real fight in the future would therefore be for the chair of Umno deputy president. Ali Rustam, who garnered second highest number of votes as vice-president and has a relatively clean record is a strong contender. However, would Muhyiddin Yassin allow him to step over him so easily?

At the same time, Muhammad Muhammad Taib has made a startling comeback with his appointment as a senator recently. What would be his asking price if he is asked to give KJ a clean passage to the chair of the Umno Youth head by thwarting any possible ambition the could be nurtured by Mohd Khir Toyo, the Selangor menteri besar?

So folks, it's all about political survival of a few gangs and their members all desirous of making easy money, leading a life like a lord in 17-room mansions, spelling out the rules that bind others but not by themselves, having close comrades and family members on public councils and having no regards for good governance and the principle of transparency. It's all about 'I scratch your back, you scratch mine'.

Yes, all this has very little to do with racial issues, religion or culture as components of the Malaysian race or Bangsa Malaysia. Poor Malaysians be they Malay, Chinese, Indians or Ibans will continue to be left behind as these politicians get richer.

Rightly there should be only two political parties in our country. These should be based around national policy and strategy and not on race or religion.