Analysts had predicted that the Umno annual general assembly would be short of controversy, at least of the racist kind. This was disproved today by a delegate at the Umno Youth meeting, and in defiance of prior presidential advice, too.

An Umno Youth chief from a division in Selangor, Ismail Ahmad, told opposition parties and their supporters to leave the country if they are not happy.

"These people, they come to a Malay area and they tell me that our country is not doing well and people are still suffering. Well, I'll tell you, you can apply for citizenship in Singapore," he said.

Ismail, who helms the Youth wing of the Gombak division, was referring to an opposition claim that the economic pie is not shared equitably with all races.

"This is my house and those who do not live in my house have no right to tell me how to decorate it," he told delegates.

He then raised the issue of demolition of Hindu temples in Selangor, saying that the issue is "a small matter".

The most recent incident in Kampung Rimba Jaya had triggered outrage and even compelled MIC president S Samy Vellu, often tightlipped on the issue, to react .

Ismail said Islam promotes harmony between religions but ended his statement by saying: "We understand that they too have gods. Thank God they do, if not they'd be worse off."

'God is against the opposition'

Again invoking divinity, Ismail ridiculed PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim for dancing on stage prior to giving a speech during the campaigning for the Ijok by-election in April.

"God has decided. Even if you are the opposition, you must believe in God, and God has decided against the opposition," he said, adding that Anwar's antics in Ijok were unacceptable behaviour for a Muslim of his age.

During the by-election campaign, Anwar did a jiggle to the tune of the music before making his speech.

Umno AGM have been criticised for the racists sentiments of delegates.

Last year, the AGM was broadcast 'live' for the first time on national television, but the no-holds-barred speeches did not go down well with Malaysians.

As a result, the meetings are not being televised this year.