An Umno leader has cautioned Malays not to be blinded by political ambition and fall prey to overtures from DAP.

Syed Ali Alhabshee claimed DAP's plan to field Malay candidates in several parliamentary seats in the next general election is nothing more than a smokescreen for its "racism".

The Cheras Umno division chief said the majority of DAP's top leaders are Chinese while the Malays are reduced to mere "cheerleaders".

"I hope no Malay leader who is crazy about becoming a YB (elected representative) falls into the trap and is used by DAP to divide the Malays," he added in a blog posting.

Syed Ali said DAP is now more aggressive in recruiting Malay candidates who are willing to be "obedient sidekicks" after its political relationship with PAS came to an end.

In the previous elections, he said, DAP managed to secure Malay votes because of its cooperation with the Islamic party.

Without mincing words, the vocal Umno man also criticised Malays who joined DAP, accusing them of "selling themselves and the pride of their race" for political rewards.

Recently, a study discovered that the demonisation campaign by Umno and the harsh criticism from PAS have caused Malays in rural areas to feel anger and distrust towards DAP.

DAP is often accused of attempting to undermine the position of the Malays and Islam in Malaysia, a charge which its leaders reject.

'PKR only struggles for Anwar'

Responding to the study, DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang said it is a cause for concern.

"For DAP was never formed to be a party for the Chinese or any particular community but for all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or region - and it is totally anathema in DAP for anyone to be anti-Islam or any other religion," Lim said.

Meanwhile, Syed Ali also took a swipe at PKR, dismissing its slogan of 'ranapkan (demolish) Umno' as nothing more than a political gimmick.

He claimed that PKR's true struggle is for the political interests of former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is serving a five-year prison term for sodomy.

"PKR is vocal about some issues, not because of wanting to champion the people but merely to trumpet slander to attract attention," Syed Ali said.