Neil Khor

For Umno to remain relevant, it needs to regain some internal balance. What it lacks is a unifying ideology. Malay economic backwardness as the sole ideological driving force is no longer working.

Long ago, when Gerakan was considered the ‘conscience’ of Malaysia, the party had leaders who spoke up on issues that were regarded fundamental to democratic life in Malaysia.

Party leaders like Dr Lim Chong Eu, the late Dr Tan Chee Koon and the late Professor Syed Hussien Alatas did not bat an eyelid when raising the party flag against the ISA or when speaking up against race politics.