THE Mahkota by-election tomorrow (Sept 28) presents a historic opportunity for voters, particularly non-Malays, to deliver a resounding rejection of UMNO – a party that has for decades ridiculed, tormented and humiliated them.
Even after losing substantial Malay support, UMNO seems to have learned little. It continues to position itself as the champion of Malay supremacy, often doing so by belittling and alienating the non-Malays.
UMNO’s divisive rhetoric persists with its Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamed Akmal Saleh making extreme and inflammatory statements about non-Malays – remarks that are not merely personal opinions but a reflection of UMNO’s core identity.
For non-Malays, the Mahkota by-election is not just a routine electoral exercise but a chance to express their democratic right by rejecting a party that has systematically undermined their well-being and progress.
Voting is not simply a mechanical process – it is a powerful means of aligning with political entities that genuinely represent the interests of the people.
In this context, how can non-Malays – in good conscience – cast their votes for UMNO? A party that has long been anathema to their aspirations and dignity?
DAP once seen as a beacon for non-Malay interests has recently shown its true colours by urging Chinese voters to support UMNO’s candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah. If this isn’t a betrayal of their power base, then what is?
‘Deep past scars’
The political pact between DAP and UMNO may serve their immediate agendas but it does nothing to erase UMNO’s long history of divisiveness and discrimination.
The wounds inflicted by UMNO’s past and present actions are too deep to be brushed aside by mere political expediency.
The Mahkota by-election offers a golden opportunity for Chinese, Indian and right-thinking Malay voters to reject UMNO, the prime source of political and social misery in the country.
It is not a question of which party the non-Malays should vote for; the priority should be to ensure that the UMNO candidate is soundly defeated.
A clear message must be sent to UMNO: the days of exploiting racial divisions for political gain are over.
Sadly, MIC which is UMNO’s perennial ally has continued to shamelessly support the very party that has reduced it to irrelevance.
While Indians are increasingly distancing themselves from UMNO, MIC persists in canvassing for votes. Given MIC’s negligible influence on the Indian community, it is unlikely to deliver any significant support to UMNO in this by-election.
The Mahkota by-election is not just another contest. It is an opportunity for non-Malays in the constituency to teach UMNO a lesson it will never forget.
If non-Malay support for UMNO evaporates, it could well mark the final “goodbye” for one of the most divisive and racist parties in Malaysia’s history. – Sept 27, 2024
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Images credit: Syed Hussien Bin Syed Abdullah/Facebook
