Why is Umno trying to be Malay hero now, asks Saifuddin

Kamles Kumar Kamles Kumar Updated 7 years ago · Published on 9 Nov 2018 7:00AM · 3 Comments

Umno’s defence of Malay rights includes supporting a ‘himpunan Melayu’ or Malay gathering led by the Red Shirt movement in November 2016. The Malay-based party was ousted from power in the May elections. – EPA pic, November 9, 2018.

UMNO, which was in power for 61 years, did nothing to uphold Malay rights but is now trying to appear a “Malay hero”, said Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.

The party is now keen to defend Malay rights following the Pakatan Harapan government’s move to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) only for the opposition party to stay relevant, Saifuddin said yesterday.

“This is the opportunity for Umno to defend themselves. They have failed to take care of Malay rights. This is their way of making amends,” he said during a live telecast of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Malaysia.

Umno and PAS leaders led a protest a week ago against the government’s decision to ratify ICERD on the rounds that the move would threaten Malay royalty, the sovereignty of Islam and Malay/Bumiputera rights and privileges.

Saifuddin yesterday slammed the Umno leaders trying to be “heroes” by training their guns at human rights and instead told them to focus on bringing up the Malays in various areas like business and economy.

Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin Abdullah says if Umno really cared about the Malays, it should uplift them in areas such as business and economy. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, November 9, 2018.

“If you want to take care of Malay rights, if you want to be a Malay hero, this is not the place. Be a hero by improving the education, the productivity and the economy of the Malays,” the Indera Makhota MP said.

Malaysia is committed to ratifying all international conventions related to human rights but may take some time before signing up fully to the controversial ICERD, he said.

“We can have reservations in the international conventions. We start with easy ones and not that sensitive. Maybe ICERD would take some time.”

Putrajaya will also continue to engage all stakeholders in areas of human rights but admitted it would be challenge.

“The government will continue the process of negotiations with all parties. The times have changed, we should follow and shape the contemporary development.”

The former Umno leader also said PH will uphold human rights and even make some suggestions internationally.

“Malaysia should offer views and opinions in human rights and democracy internationally.” – November 9, 2018.

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Comments

  • WHO WANTS TO BE LEFT BEHIND ON MOTHER EARTH WHEN TRAVELLING IN OUTER SPACE IN FUTURE?..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • We trust Malays but not UMNO leaders.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • DON'T WORRY ALL MY KAWAN MELAYU NOBODY IS TAKING YOUR RIGHTS AWAY. UMNO IS THE CULPRIT WHO IS TAKING YOUR RIGHTS AWAY FOR GRANTED SIMPLE.

    Posted 7 years ago by CHEE Meng Ng · Reply