UMNO and its relevance in today's Malaysia

Assalamualaikum wbt.

I am called to write this blog entry after learning that there are misconceptions and misunderstandings on the role of UMNO especially among the young breed of Malaysian Malays.
It is time that the younger generation realise that UMNO is not a mere political party. Let us all be remembered that UMNO got its name in the early years of its establishment from what it actually is, the United Malays National Organisation.

Looking at the name per se, does this mean that UMNO is a radical racialist movement?

Ketuanan Melayu or Malay Superiority is often seen as a sensitive subject that may cause racial sentiments to arise when it is being discussed. This will not be the case if the Malaysian Malays and all the other races occupying this blessed land understand the nature of the social contract concluded by our forefathers. This social contract is embodied in the Federal Constitution through Articles 14-18 and Article 153.

Special privileges given to the Malays and other bumiputra and natives form the consideration guaranteed by the non-Malay leaders at the time the contract was concluded. In return, the Malays granted the immigrants the right to have the citizenship of the land. Thus, the issues of discrimination or fear of favour are no issues at all!

UMNO is not a radical racialist movement as its existence is to ensure that the Malays will not turn into beggers on their own land by upholding this social contract.

The social contract has created a state of panic, anxiety, anger and confusion that triggered the May 13th, 1969 incident. In 1971, the government came up with the New Economic Policy or Dasar Ekonomi Baru. Basically, the purpose of the NEP is to close the economic gap between the Malays, bumiputras and natives and the other races who made up the citizens.

The NEP, just like the social contract came to be a point of debate and quarrel. Does this mean that we need to do away with ketuanan Melayu after all? The answer will have to be in the negative.

My grandfather once advised me to always see things through my heart when they are not visible through the eyes. Tengok dengan mata hati.

UMNO is here as a guardian of those rights belonging to the Malays. Here is why:

Inasmuch as everyone yearns for equality, there is a reason why Ketuanan Melayu still needs to be upheld. And the reason is, to have and equal and fair race, everyone must begin to run at the same starting line. The Malays have yet to reach the starting line. That is why we need Ketuanan Melayu.

UMNO is relevant and will always be relevant throughout the time Malaysia is in existence. We are the original people of the land. Let us all be reminded of that fact.

Hidup Melayu!

*TUN FATIMAH*