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I read with such amazement and apprehension the statement attributed to Umno's newly elected deputy permanent chairperson Badruddin Amiruldin which among others were: 'No other race has the right to question our privileges, our religion and our leader'.

He was also alleged to have waved a book on the May 13 incident as backing up his statement urging others to don't stir up the hornet's nest.

I think that that was totally uncalled for and provocative of the highest order. I urge the government to reprimand him immediately as it was of poor taste and unbecoming of a leader of the ruling party.

It is not advisable to utter such words in a multiracial society such as ours where negotiations and consensus are the order of the day in resolving pressing and crucial issues relating to race and the national share of economic activity.

I think Badruddin has got the plot completely wrong. In his attempt to play to the gallery, he missed the crucial point that even the prime minister referred to in his address. That all races must compete purely on meritocracy, otherwise the sweeping tide of globalisation and free trade will sweep away Malaysians like a hurricane.

I doubt it if anyone in their right mind will question or challenge the special privileges accorded to the Malays as these are constitutionally ingrained. What many are questioning is the way these special privileges are being implemented as they may have not had the desired result the original leaders of yesteryear intended.

I hope someone can point this out to Badruddin Amiruldin so that at the next general assembly, he can speak on something more current and productive such as the inflation rate, the falling educational standard and the poor delivery of services at government offices.

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