Umno has been emphasising that as long as it is in power, Malay special rights are protected. How far has it been achieved?

To literate younger generations, Malay special rights should be construed as sustaining the wealth and land inherited from the Malay ancestors who had founded, explored and developed Tanah Melayu. In the era of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Malays was mis-defined as Muslims who practise Malay culture. Such a definition was put up to serve selfish purposes and aimed at concealing the fact that Mahathir was not of Malay origins.

If today, a Chinese or an Indian converts to Islam, they and their younger generation will have the identity of being a Malay and enjoy the same benefits. Then what are Malays' special rights? Umno is full of 'non-Malay' leaders. Who can guarantee that when one of these leaders climb up the political ladder one day and become prime minister, Malay special rights are still considered?

I would say that Mahathir was pretty wise in playing the political game in impressing the Malay community that he has done much to protect them but in actual fact, they were manipulated to serve his personal interests. He actually trimmed down Malay rights, especially the special rights conferred to our beloved Malay rulers. If the Malay rulers' rights keep deteriorating, one day Malaysia will be a presidential nation and these 'non-Malays' will take control ultimately.