Umno must lead the way in helping Malaysians redefine democracy and avoid equating democracy with demonstrations, said Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In his officiating address for the annual assembly for Umno's women's, youth and puteri wings today, Zahid said demonstrations was not measure of democracy.

"Democracy should be interpreted through the electoral process. The party that wins will be the party that rules, but not anymore.

"Democracy is now equated with demonstrations. To them, demonstrations is the parameter for democracy.

"Whoever that is against demonstrations are considered undemocratic," said Zahid.

Recounting his time as a student activist, Zahid said he had led demonstrations on issues affecting the public and to highlight issues which needed government attention.

Perils of liberalism

However, demonstrations today are confrontational and were aimed at overthrowing an elected government.

"Demonstrations today seek to destroy and confront. Worse still, democracy was also equated with absolute freedoms including the receipt of (financial) aid, even from foreign organisations," he said.

In view of this, he said there was a need for Umno to help the rakyat redefine democracy in an era where the post-modern generation was increasingly open to liberal thought.

"We in Umno and the public should not be too easily taken in with liberal thought, which I fear (is) slowly creeping into our country.

"We must always be clear that democracy for our country is a freedom that is based on the Federal Constitution," he said.

In order to maintain this freedom, he said all three wings and the public must stand by the party and its president to rectify the situation and also oppose the Open Society Foundations.

The 'haprak' ex-leader

Meanwhile, Zahid took pot shots at former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, without naming him.

He likened Mahathir to Roman emperor Septimius Severus who once ruled with an iron fist.

"Peace and development in his empire was achieved through a harsh administration. His officers and subjects were scared of him.

"Historians unanimously agreed that he planted the seeds which led to the destruction of the Roman Empire," he said.

At this point, he asked his audience if they remembered a "captain" which uttered the phrase "Melayu mudah lupa" and "Melayu haprak".

"Unfortunately, the captain which uttered 'Melayu haprak' has abandoned the Umno ark. Who is 'haprak' now?" asked Zahid.