LETTER | Bemusingly, business tycoon Robert Kuok has become the latest target for Umno's divisive hate speeches. To say I am disgusted is an understatement.

This Umno strategy of putting Malays under siege from imagined enemies is what drives the decay of Malay values and culture.

And to put Robert Kuok as one of those imagined enemies is malicious and destructive not just to Malays but to all Malaysians. It will further tip the tenuous balance of goodwill and harmony which has set Malaysia apart from all other countries.

Ultimately, we have to remember this, Robert Kuok is a Malaysian first and foremost. Had he not been a patriotic Malaysian, he could have surrendered his citizenship at any time. He didn't.

Had Robert Kuok not been a patriotic Malaysian, he could have left the country and its citizens to our own devices with the wealth he has amassed. He didn't. Instead, his contributions to Malaysian society is far-reaching.

But his biggest contribution is in supporting the democratic process in Malaysia, supporting all and sundry in ways that ensure there is a semblance of a level playing field. I, for one, am glad for that because it gives the small Malaysian a chance.

It is no wonder that Umno and its leaders dreadfully confound the issue of Robert Kuok's wealth. Coming from a party who till today does not understand the concept of seed funding and capital, what should we expect?

Yes, Robert Kuok was given some advantages to earn the title "Sugar King". But it was an opportunity given, a door opened - not a truckload of cash deposited on his doorstep.

In fact, the moniker is not a state award but a social honour bestowed for his hard work and diligence in cultivating the small opportunity to its full potential. Do not befuddle earning a title with entitlement.

And for what it's worth, it is the same logic most Malays argue with when charged with the "crime" of unfair social advantages afforded by bumiputera-skewed policies. In actuality, all it affords is an opportunity and a door opened. What we make of it from there, is up to each and every one of us. After all, there are no free rides in this world, policies aside!

So to dear Uncle Robert, please accept our sincerest apologies on behalf of a nation who appreciates your tenacity and hard work, and the diversity of a beautiful Malaysia.

TARIQ ISMAIL MUSTAFA is a supreme council member of Bersatu.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.