An elected representative had lasted only one term because he refused to meet the people, said Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today.

The representative, whom he did not name, had tried to avoid meeting his constituents by hiding in a car at the rear of the house.

Najib, who is also Umno deputy president, cited this example when illustrating how a politician could lose support among the Malay community.

According to him, arrogance and unkept promises were the biggest taboos.

He said pleasing the Malays in politics was not all that difficult but leaders must bear in mind the two taboos if they aspired to last.

"I have noticed many people's representatives acting arrogantly and making all sorts of promises such as allocations which are not kept.

"Eventually these people's representatives will be dropped after serving only one term," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.

Different views

Najib was speaking at a Aidilfitri gathering of Umno Seremban division, which was attended by about 3,000 people.

Those present included his wife Rosmah Mansor, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan and the divisional chief Ishak Ismail.

Najib also criticised the attitude of some leaders who sometimes did not look at the person they shook hands with while some others did not like to meet their constituents.

Among the lessons he learnt in 28 years in politics, he said, was never to contest for a higher post in the party unless there was a vacancy.

He also disclosed a reminder given to him by party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that Umno members could hold different views from those of their leaders but must never betray the party.