'Beware of that power-crazy traitor'

Outgoing Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein today warned party members to be wary of the ONE who is "using all means to topple the Barisan Nasional government."

Although the education minister did not mention names, there is no doubt that his remarks were targetted at opposition leader and former Umno deputy president Anwar Ibrahim.

According to Hishammuddin, this "traitor is power-crazy and would stop at nothing (to achieve his goals)."

Turning the clock back to Sept 16 last year, he said the 'traitor' had vowed that a change of government would happen on this date and planted the seeds of doubt amongst the people.

"But God decided that the reverse happens, with a transition of power taking place in Perak," he said, adding that it was God's response to the claims made by those who were arrogant.

"This traitor would sow the seeds of hatred, would work with the enemy, would turn against his own race and insult his own country in various international arenas.

"The traitor would also ridicule the institution of the royalty and anyone else for the sake of his unbridled lust.

"But whatever he does, he would be judged by history as a man who wears a mask, practises the culture of hypocrisy and false pretences, (and) as someone who manipulated others - he says one thing in front and does another at the back."

'Trap does not forget the mousedeer'

Hishammuddin also quoted a Malay proverb to illustrate his point, which hinted that a 'trap' could be in place for the opposition leader.

" Wahai Petualang bangsa, pelanduk mungkin lupakan jerat, tetapi jerat janganlah sama sekali melupakan pelanduk ." (To the one who has betrayed his race, the mousedeer might forget the trap, but the trap would never forget the mousedeer).

The Umno Youth wing, he pledged, would fight the "traitor's dirty and revolting politics till the very end".

"The country is now struck by the uncivilised practice of street politics. Of late, we have seen premeditated efforts by the opposition to demolish the foundations of the nation.

"The people are sown with hatred for the security forces, with the police being targeted. The good name of the police force is tarnished and their sacrifices no longer appreciated," he said.

"Certain quarters have become arrogant and high-headed to the point of questioning the social contract and status of the Malays and bumiputera. The social contract is deliberately misinterpreted to fan racial sentiments," he added.

The Umno Youth chief also expressed concern that some have become emboldened enough to insult the royal institution and the status of Islam.

"Irrespective of the circumstances, without caring for the consequences, they hurl baseless allegations and ridicule all those who do not share their views," he said.

In an obvious reference to DAP supremo Karpal Singh ( right ) and his son Gobind, Hishammuddin said these irresponsible people must not hide behind parliamentary immunity to showcase their courage and shoot off their mouths.

No unsheathing of the keris

This was Hishammuddin's last speech as Umno Youth chief as he is contesting a vice-president's post in this party polls.

He continued with the controversial Umno Youth tradition of arriving at the meeting hall with a keris.

But in what appeared to be a concession to past criticism, Hishammuddin pointedly avoided raising the keris and stopped at just kissing the traditional Malay weapon.

He then raised his right hand and shouted the customary clarion call of ' Hidup Melayu ' (Long Live the Malays) three times.

In the past, Hishamuddin's act of raising the keris had drawn much flak from various quarters who viewed it as a threat to other races.

Today's change in protocol seems to indicate that Hishammuddin was avoiding causing discontent among non-Malays, particulary in light of the three impending by-elections on April 7.

However, this decision could have a bearing on his bid for vice-presidency, as many hardcore Umno members could see Hishammuddin as being weak.