Umno elections and us

First, Pak Lah commented when overseas, that the opposition likes to mind what is happening to Umno. Well, if Umno President invariably becomes Prime Minister, we certainly would like to know what is going on, wouldn't you?

Previously, Umno General Assembly was televised live in almost all stations until the speeches riled the public to the extent of loss of vital votes and seats in the last general elections. While watching NTV7 last night, programmes were interrupted to give 'breaking news' of results of Umno Puteri, Wanita Umno and Umno Youth elections. So, these are important to us then?

Hishamuddin hit out at Anwar, calling him a traitor to the Malay race. Hello? Why is race so important in politics and government? I remember when Najib once said something about non-Malays or non-Bumiputeras will not be left out, my wife's immediate reaction was why must there be reference of race? Why can't a national leader just say we will implement this and that properly or fairly (which seems so difficult here) and avoid any mention of race? She added that, 'How can we avoid being a racist in Malaysia, with all these references to race?' We would very much like to avoid being racial but the leaders kept harping on it, and if it affects us, do we still keep quiet about it? Because it is illegal under the Sedition Act, depending entirely on their interpretation?

Just like illegal assembly, if we were to follow strictly to the letter, our breakfast group which could involve 8 to 10 persons, could have us arrested. Ceramah by the BN leaders, like Najib in Taiping to announce their candidate for Bukit Gantang, was with full police cooperation and days after, Anwar's was treated with FRUs and other strong police presence to prevent the thousands who wanted to hear him. If the permit was deliberately denied, either the opposition would have to forget about having any political gatherings or have a so-called illegal one - all up to BN's own design and interpretation.

Out of the three contenders for Umno Youth top post, simply because of lack of choices, many members of the public wished Mukhriz would get it, despite his reference to racial preference on a number of matters (part of the game, it seems). Now Khairy can be cockier than ever, claiming that he made it on his own. It is similar to what Kalimullah once claimed, that Nasimuddin could jolly well survive (in business, I mean), even without Approved Permits and what Tony Fernandes said, 'What did I get for being a crony?'. I wish some people can be more humble.