How is Najib going to be the champion of all races?

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to show how he walks the talk to be the champion of the people by putting the people of all races above itself through the changes that he hopes Umno is currently undergoing.

Dr Tan looks at Najib's maiden speech as Umno president at the party's general assembly on 15.10.2009; Najib said Umno would continue to champion the people's lot in matters relating to their welfare and livelihood in keeping with the times.

He emphasised to the 2,500 delegates at the Putra World TradeCentre:"Umno can no longer be seen as a party that leans towards onlyone group."

When he was the Umno Youth Chief, he breathed fire and brimstone, threatening to take drastic action against other races. Today, his speech is full of the type of tolerance that is needed to sustain apeaceful and progressive country.

As a true champion of all races, we would like to see Najib fulfil his promise by creating various bases such as the strong bases for religious and racial tolerance in Malaysia, without leaning towards one group. Action should be taken at once against any group that incites racial or religious hatred like waving a dead bull's head against the relocation of a Hindu temple in Shah Alam. The same applies to the current forms of terrorism such as suicide bombings that kill innocent people. The Prime Minister may want to look at the need to replace the Internal Security Act by an Anti-Terrorism Act.

There are many aspects including the economic sector in which Najib can show his true colour by ensuring fairness and justice. But, we must never forget to narrow the gap between groups and regions. These types of gap should not be allowed to get bigger.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw