Rais pushes for Malay-Islam unity as cracks deepen
SHAH ALAM: The Malays-Islam unity is becoming harder to achieve as some leaders do not value unity, this is causing cracks within the community, said Dewan Negara President Rais Yatim.
He said "ego" among several Malay politicians is also the cause as they eye the prime minister or the minister's seat.
Stating he is from the era of the former prime ministers - Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak Hussein, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and now under Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, he said Malays need to know the importance of unity to avoid being taken advantage of by others.
"If the Malays do not realise the importance of Malay, Islam unity, others may take this power. If this happens don't blame others," said the 79-year old in an exclusive interview with Sinar Harian.
"Leaders are being taken to court, this includes the number one and number two. If it's true that Umno will take the lead (in polls), clear links to crimes involving corruption (first), only then other parties like PAS, Bersatu or Muda would respect them," he said.
Rais added there is a lot of criticism at the moment and this will not unite the community. He also insisted that new Umno leaders would be given leadership roles if the party wins.
He added unlike Malay politics, the Chinese in DAP, MCA, Gerakan are also known to criticise but their focus is on policies and this should be encouraged.
