Malaysia's PM Najib seeks end to race debate

Malaysia's PM Najib seeks end to race debate
By Melissa Goh | Posted: 21 October 2010

Prime Minister Najib Razak addresses the ruling party's annual general assembly in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia's PM Najib seeks end to race debate

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak wants an end to debate on the special rights and preferential treatment of Malays.

Speaking at the general assembly of the ruling UMNO party on Thursday, he said the talk on the issue is threatening racial harmony and national stability.

Addressing delegates, Mr Najib also urged the country's Malays to be competitive and stop relying on handouts.

PM Najib seeks to achieve a new era in race relations - one that's based on a shared future for all.

Mr Najib took over as UMNO president last March and since then, he has set in motion a transformation programme to shed the party's corrupt and arrogant image, to one that's more inclusive and relevant.

He also urged all sides to stop the debate over the Malay's special rights and privileges, as they have a historical context and cannot be withdrawn without first obtaining the consent of the traditional rulers.

"Whether we like it or not, we have to respect the consensus, because it is key to our continued survival. If it is open to debate, we are worried it will cause uneasiness and instigate the primordial instincts which exist between ethnic groups," said PM Najib.

Similarly, he said that the non-Malays should not feel threatened, as their citizenship and birthright are guaranteed under the constitution.

While UMNO will continue to defend the special rights, quota, and permits of the Malays, Mr Najib said the Malays should aim to compete globally.

He said: "Malays should be able to compete with the best and the strongest. Malays must become the greatest on the world stage."

Mr Najib's presidential address received a rousing response from delegates, including former party president and prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.

"I think this speech would have cleared the air quite a bit for all communities - that there are certain things we can discuss, that there are certain things we can change, but there are also certain things that we cannot change. Whether there is an election or not, I think it is good that everybody understands the real position," said Dr Mahathir.

But other Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties feel differently.

Chua Soi Lek, President of the Malaysia Chinese Association said: "We are aware of the sensitivity of the issues involved, but there should be room for discussion, especially on its implementation."

Samy Vellu, President of the Malaysia Indian Congress said: "It's not question of questioning; it's a question of living together, it's a question of understanding each other, and also it's a question of feeling for each other."

While Mr Najib is keeping the people guessing when the next general election is going to be, analysts said the speech was aimed at consolidating his support within the party.

But many find it difficult to reconcile it with his 1Malaysia principle - which is to ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of race or religion. - CNA /ls

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