The latest to join the bandwagon in expressing suggestions with regard to Umno’s annual general assembly is Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman.

Calling for “independence in thought”, he said the Malay political mind must “no longer be controlled by the greed of other races to the point of employing measures and policies which sacrifice the ambitions of their own race.”

“Tolerance and openness must not be binding until they stifle the progress and influence of the Malays and bumiputera in economy, administration, politics, law and so forth,” he added.

Abdullah called on Umno leaders and delegates to exhibit their independence from the political mould inherited from the colonial masters during the general assembly.

He said there must be consistency in championing the sovereignty of the Malay race as well as the fortification of Islam’s position.

“Based on this, they (delegates) must be bold to debate on issues concerning national identity, law, integration, Malay and bumiputera economy...,” he added.

After 57 years of independence, Abdullah said that “we” should be able to “think for ourselves” and develop policies according to “our mould”.

“Independence returned the ruling power to the original owners (of the land).

“Acknowledging the independence of the non-bumiputera should not reduce the position of the Malays and bumiputera or deny Islam as the identity of the race and Malaysia,” he said.

“The Malays should no longer be tied to the administrative policies of the British which were imposed on them.

“On the contrary, they are free to formulate policies based on the inspirations and interests of the race and nation,” he added.

Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor has repeatedly warned delegates not to raise sensitive issues regarding race or religion during the meet.

The 65th Umno assembly will commence tomorrow until Saturday.

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