The 55th Umno general assembly held in the Putra World Trade Centre ended recently. The assembly, which sprang several surprises, also marked the dawn of a new era, that is the era of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (fondly known as Pak Lah), one which has its own qualities and challenges.

Without doubt, the new Umno president, who is also the prime minister, does have very high ambitions. He is prepared to face challenges which Dr Mahathir Mohamad has failed to overcome. Mahathir has admitted that he has failed to change the attitude of Malays even though he had urged, scolded, pleaded, prayed and wept.

"While Hang Tuah had declared, ' Tak Kan Melayu Hilang Di Dunia! ' (The Malays will never vanish from the face of the earth!), Pak Lah said, ' Melayu hidup biar bermartabat! " (Malays should live with dignity!'). Living with dignity, according to Pak Lah's definition, meant "becoming a race which did not hope for any aid, and instead strives hard with its own strength."

Abdullah also stated some points firmly and critically about aid which was like crutches: "Bumiputeras are aware that they are being propped up by crutches and would like to walk without them, but are still afraid to discard the crutches."