Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi outlined plans to build a globally competitive Malay race by 2020, emphasising progressive Islam in his first Umno presidential speech.

Opening a three-day congress of Umno, Abdullah said Malays must learn to stand on their own feet after 34 years of preferential treatment and called for a "mental revolution" for them to be successful.

"A continuing reliance on crutches will further enfeeble (Malays), and we may eventually end up in wheelchairs," he warned in a two-hour speech broadcast on national television.

"We can no longer adopt the approach of handing out fish. We have to provide the hooks and the boats, the nets, the compasses and the maps so that they will dare to go out and brave the waves to fish in deep waters."

Under a system of affirmative action since 1970, Malays and other indigenous groups jointly known as "bumiputeras" get economic, education and other benefits to narrow the wealth gap with the Chinese minority.

Defeated race

Abdullah, who took over when Dr Mahathir Mohamad retired after 22 years in power last October, said the resounding victory of the Umno-led ruling coalition in March's general election proved the success of his progressive and moderate "Islam Hadhari" concept.

He said Islam Hadhari was not a new teaching but focused on development and building Malay competitiveness, while rejecting conservative idelogy and extremist ways.

"The misconception that there exists a difference between so-called secular knowledge and religious knowledge must be corrected. Islam demands the mastery of science and technology and the enhancement of skills and expertise," he said.

"If we fail to hone the competitive skills of the race, we will eventually become a defeated race. Malays will always be looked down upon; Malays will always feel insecure and lack confidence; Malays will always be seen as a burden by others."