Umno Youth chief aspirant Mukhriz Mahathir's controversial statements about vernacular schools continue to invite scorn, the latest brickbat coming from the Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp).

The party, that pulled out of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition in September this year, has vehemently objectied to Mukhriz's suggestion that vernacular schools are to be blamed for causing a polarised society in Malaysia.

sapp and barisan nasional shattered alliance "We urge Mukhriz to be honest to himself and admit that the real problem lies with the politicians in the current communal-based political party system found within the Barisan Nasional coalition," Sapp Youth chief Edward Dagul said in a statement to Malaysiakini today.

These BN policy-makers' racial ideologies have meant that Umno champions only Malay causes, MCA for the Chinese community and MIC for Indians, he said, adding that when society sees this as the ruling coalition's formula for national integration, the concept of compartmentalisation is accepted.

"That's why no one will speak up for another Malaysian if not of the same race. The idea of ‘better left to someone of their own kind' will seep in. This results in further polarisation," Dagul said.

He said Sapp is disappointed that Mukhriz has decided to adopt this stand.

"It is nothing more than an exercise to garner more support in his bid for the Umno Youth chief's post," the Sapp Youth chief said, adding that the Jerlun MP should focus on Bangsa Malaysia and Wawasan 2020 as advocated by his father, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, instead of harping on racially sensitive issues.

"The country's success lies in its diverse cultures and the mutual respect shown for one another," Dagul said.