A DAP state assemblyperson today accused Umno of wanting to intimidate non-Malays and non-Muslims into leaving the country.

Mentakab state assemblyperson Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji said this is the case when Umno pushed for the Sedition Act to be retained, by citing the need to protect the rights of Malays, Islam and the rulers.

"This is just a repeat of things or a drama played by Umno. The federal constitution makes it clear that the rights of Malays and Islam are guaranteed.

"If we look at all the important positions in Malaysia, they are also held by Malay Muslims. So why must this be raised?

"They turn it into a polemic so that non-Muslims and non-Malays are scared, and will leave Malaysia," he told delegates at the DAP conference in Subang Jaya this afternoon.

Tengku Zulpuri ( right ) added that this has also resulted in a flight of talent - which cuts across  all races.

"It is unfortunate that we are losing those who are bright and professionals, which make up of Malays, Indians as well as of Chinese, we are losing an asset," he said.

He urged Malaysians not to fear such polemics played up by Umno.

"In fact, it is Umno which has damaged Malay rights, not DAP, PKR or PAS," he said.

He drew the example of Malay reserve land, which he said stood at 44 percent when the British colonial masters left then Malaya.

"Today only 12 percent of Malay reserve land is left, is that Pakatan’s fault? Is DAP, PAS or PKR to be blamed?" he said.

Tengku Zulpuri also acknowledged problems in Pakatan where certain leaders from PAS were not cooperating, but urged the federal leadership to quickly resolve the matter.

"I hope at the central level, this can be resolved so that we can go to Putrajaya together," he said.