Umno vs bersih

Najib, it's not about Umno rally vs Bersih rally CL Tang 2:05PM May 7, 2012 In an obvious tit for tat after the biggest demonstration of people power ala Bersih 3.0, the President of Umno declared that a mass gathering will be held in conjunction with the party's 66th anniversary. The purpose is to "put on a show of strength", and prove that "Umno members can assemble in peace without posing any harm to others". Bersih 3.0 have shown the best and worst of Malaysia: while it proves that Malaysians are increasingly passionate about fighting for what they perceive as justice and equality, it also revealed deep divisions in our society; and how peaceful intentions can escalate into outright chaos. By calling for a show of power among its 3 million members, the President of Umno, who days before extolled that diversity is Malaysia's strength, has forgotten that his primary role should be to unite Malaysians as prime minister. Instead of fostering reconciliation as the prime minister of Malaysia in these critical times, he rather stand as president of Umno and seemingly telling those who participated for Bersih 3.0 that your numbers don't matter, your voices don't matter, because we have bigger numbers, we have louder voices. In short, Umno need not listen to you because we are powerful and we will demonstrate that come May 11th. To any ordinary Malaysian, regardless of whether they support Bersih 3.0 or not, one simply cannot compare Bersih 3.0 event against UMNO's May 11th gathering. The former is an inclusive 1Malaysia event; with the participants of diverse race and religion coming on their own initiative, risk and expense to take part in an event that pits them against a court order and battalions of riot police. The latter meanwhile is a exclusive event -it will receive the full support of the government and eager sponsors; and with police escorting the Umno VIPs and attendees. There is nothing to shout about having bigger numbers or it being a peaceful one when one is a fully sanctioned celebration of sorts, and the other a demonstration facing various obstacles from the authorities. Come what may, all Malaysians will surely hope that Najib will not allow his role as prime minister of Malaysia to be subservient to that of a Umno president. This is not the time to behave like kids in the playground, with the bigger group jeering a smaller one. Malaysians are naturally peace-loving people, we hate violence and we treasure our multi-racial harmony. We only hope our leaders do the same, and not risk tearing this nation apart by perpetuating the "us" vs. "them" tactics in order to appeal to their supporters. Be a leader of ALL Malaysians, and you will have our vote, and hopes.