Other races can be accepted as long as Malays continue to dominate the political scene in Malaysia, Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid said.

"Malays must lead the government, supported by our friends (of other races).

Recognition is given to other races in the formation of the country, but the political power must stay with the Malays.

We share the cake, no problem at all, but we want the political power," he said in his speech at the Umno Kepong division annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

The Chinese and the Indians are already dominating other fields, such as the business and professional fields, he said, which he does not mind as they excel at those fields.

He then recalled the agreement between the races when the federal constitution was being drafted, saying that the other races already agreed to recognise the special privileges of the Malays in exchange for their citizenship in the newly formed country at that time.

"Everyone agreed (to the constitution), and that is how we formed this country. Umno is the one who formed and built this country, with the support of MCA and MIC," he said.

Solidarity in Umno

He also stressed that there must be solidarity within Umno if they are to face the issues plaguing the party now.

"Umno is being tested. Our president (Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak) is being accused. We want solidarity.

We all swear to not look back, we must move forwards regardless of what happens," he said.

On July 27, Najib dropped several ministers from his cabinet, including deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is still Umno deputy president.

This has sparked speculation that Umno might face infighting as Muhyiddin still enjoys a high level of popularity among the grassroots.