Umno does not propagate racial sentiments: Syed Ali

PETALING JAYA: Umno does not propagate racial sentiments in order to secure support from the people.
Refuting Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's statement, Cheras Umno division leader Datuk Seri Syed Ali Alhabshee (pix) said that Umno does not rely on racial sentiments although many Malays support the party.
Lim, had on Sunday reportedly said at the Federal Territories DAP annual convention in Kuala Lumpur, that only those who cannot address economic issues or the state investment arm 1Malaysia Development Bhd issue would resort to playing on racist sentiments to get support.
Syed Ali said while Umno's struggles focus on the interests of the Malays, it also gives consideration to the needs of the non-Malays.
"Taking this into consideration, Umno till today is the pillar of strength to Barisan Nasional (BN), which forms the government.
"BN components respect the role and struggles of Umno in forming a democratic government since Merdeka until now," he said in a blog post today.
Syed Ali said that Lim's allegation is an attempt to blur the eyes of the people and show as though DAP is more open.
Syed Ali added that DAP is a "racist party", which does not like the existence of unity among the Malays and Muslims in this country although it can make diplomatic ties with other Malay-based political parties for its own gains.
"That is why, PAS and PKR previously were only the 'political mule' to DAP through the formation of Pakatan Rakyat.
"That coalition was dissolved and PAS made a bold move to sever diplomatic ties with DAP," he said.
Stating that Lim's claim was without basis, Syed Ali said Lim was only trying to fuel the anger of one race towards Umno.
"This is a racist thing to do, trying to fuel the hatred of non-Malays towards Malays and Umno in particular," he said.