Undoubtedly, recent incidents such as demonstrations by Bersih, Hindraf, lawyers and the Lingam video clip have unveiled many weaknesses and loopholes in the ruling coalition and government, significantly weakening Umno - the ultimate controlling power behind the ruling coalition and the government.

The literate Malay younger generation does not want to see the downfall of Umno and wants it to be even stronger than during the era of Dr Mahathir Mohamad. What really matters at this moment is how to sustain a big win in upcoming general elections. Here are some tactics Umno can employ:

- Extensively advertise and promote in the media the success of Umno in bringing together all the races;

- Introduce further investment incentives to attract foreign investors to create more jobs, to enhance fund inflows, to strengthen reserves, to upgrade technological levels etc;

- Focus on fulfilling race-based needs to get support. For examples, Hindus want more temples, Chinese want more primary and secondary schools, the Malays want more jobs and welfare. Approve them fast.

- Be less racist. Malay support for Umno vis-a-vis the opposition is now at 60:40. Playing the race card in hope of whipping up support amongst the Malays will not only backfire but will further dilute the non-bumiputeras' support for BN.