Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today urged Umno leaders not to hide behind Biro Tata Negara’s (BTN) courses to talk about “the insecurities of the Malays”.

At a press conference in Parliament today, the PKR de facto leader claimed that the programme has promoted a racist approach.

NONE “I totally disagree with the racist approach. Umno leaders (use) the closed-door sessions to talk about the insecurities of Malays - that they have been marginalised - and suggesting that this has been done by the Chinese and the Indians.

“And in the process, they (the courses) defend Umno and its leadership (and suggest that) nothing is wrong (even) with corruption, PKFZ (Port Klang Free Scandal) scandal and the (murder of) Mongolian (national Altantuya Shaariibuu).”

He said the opposition has always been the target and accused of ‘splitting the Malays and (causing) disunity”.

“If that’s how they view it, then let’s debate it. Why hide? Now you see in the whole polemics that they are blaming the Chinese and Indians, particularly the DAP, for suggesting that the BTN should be reviewed and revamped,” said Anwar.

BTN, an agency under the Prime Minister's Department, aims to nurture the spirit of patriotism and a commitment to excellence among Malaysians. For decades, it has conducted courses for students, young leaders and civil servants.

The controversy was triggered when Selangor government imposed a ban on attendance at BTN, claiming that it promotes “racial politics and BN/Umno ideaology”.

‘Why defend it?’

In a related development, DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang today said the revamp of the BTN curriculum cannot take place if federal ministers keep defending the “racist and destructive” programme.

lim kit siang and dap While he welcomed the announcement on the revamp, Lim said many top Umno ministers “seem to be unaware of this cabinet decision”.

They include Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Agro-based Industry Minister Noh Omar and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Ahmad Maslan.

“Last Thursday, Muhyiddin defended the BTN (but) Hishammuddin, Noh Omar, Shahrizat and Ahmad defended the divisive, racist and seditious BTN course only over the weekend.

“...(they also) condemned critical voices including my call for the closure of the racist and seditious BTN courses as these make a total mockery of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia slogan and concept.

“Why is this so? Who is right then, Najib or Muhyiddin, Hishammuddin, Noh Omar, Shahrizat and Ahmad?”