Generally, I agree with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that eventually Malays must learn to accept competition and meritocracy. However, I also think that Umno itself must show, and lead by, example.

Where is competition and meritocracy in the selection of Umno's top leadership? While Najib Tun Razak and two of his fellow vice-presidents were duly and democratically elected by Umno delegates, it is the unelected Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who finally gets appointed to be the successor to the Umno presidency and prime ministership. Is it fair and meritocratic?

The situation is like hardworking and smart students get sidelined by not so hardworking and smart ones. It is also like dedicated high performers in offices being forced to give way to someone who is only close to the boss, in the promotion process or determination of bonuses. There is no more incentive to work hard or be dedicated.

It breeds a negative culture. Since there is no proportional reward for positive initiatives, everyone would find the cunning way out to get close to the bosses or teachers. Everyone becomes yes-men. Everyone is guilty of praise-the-emperor's-new-clothes syndrome.

It is time to reform Umno first before Umno calls for reform in the Malay and Malaysian society.