Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today lashed out at those who had criticised Umno for the brandishing of the keris at its annual general assembly.

Opening the annual Umno meet at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur this morning, Abdullah, who is also party boss, claimed such criticism was done to spread fears among the non-Malays.

"The act of unsheathing and kissing a keris is part of our cultural heritage but its meaning has been twisted to spread fear among non-Malays, and the image of Umno and Malaysia has been smeared overseas," Abdullah, clad in a traditional bright orange baju melayu, said.

"Keris is a weapon, but it is a weapon to protect yourself and your friends," he said to a round of thunderous applause from more than 2,500 delegates who turned up this morning.

It was the first time that Abdullah, who has portrayed himself as a moderate Islamic leader, to strongly defend the party since it came under intense fire from various groups including those from the non-Malay-based BN component parties.

At last year's meeting, several delegates had also during the party debates - which was broadcasted live on a satellite television channel for the first time - vowed Umno members were ready to drown themselves in blood to defend their race.

Despite calls for actions against them, they were however let off with a warning by the Umno management committee, which is made up of the party's top leaders.

"Those who would wish to inflame communal sentiments have sensationalised the words of the four Umno speakers," lamented Abdullah, in reference to the speeches made at last year Umno's meet which were deemed as 'seditious' by critics.

The brandishing of the keris, a traditional Malay dagger, which has since been a regular feature at the party's youth wing was deemed as provocative to the non-Malay communities.

"On behalf of Umno's leaders and members, I give assurance that Umno will never breach the spirit of the understanding that has been agreed with the other communities at the time of Merdeka," added Abdullah in his 90-minute speech.

"Opportunities in Malaysia are available to all. There is a future for every Malaysian in this country," he said to a loud cheer from his audience.

'Respect our sensitivities too'

At the same time, he said, the other communities must also appreciate the sensitivities of the Malays.

"Basic matters relating to the sanctity of religion, beliefs and practices, Malay interests and the social contract between the communities are sacred to us and should not be raised," he added.

"Similarly, the basic issues that were agreed upon at the time the Federal Constitution was drafted are non-negotiable."

He said that the harmony between the various communities and religions in Malaysia was not an optional luxury but was a necessity.

"We have no other choice," he said, asking the leaders of all BN component parties present at the AGM to convey the message to their respective members.

Touching on the controversial comments made by some of the delegates during last year's meeting, Abdullah said: "Only a small number of speakers raised issues that perhaps touched on communal sensitivities."

"The speeches by the president, deputy president and the leaders of the Youth, Wanita and Puteri movements, as well as the other debaters spoke on issues from a national perspective and represented the majority view within Umno.

"I believe that similar extremist sentiments are voiced by members of political parties that represent other communities. However, in the spirit of building a unified nation, the consensus of moderation and mutual respect outweighs extremist tendencies," he said.

He also said that Umno was willing to discuss on the sensitive matters in an "effective and appropriate manner".

"We are ready to seek intelligent resolutions and win-win outcomes when dealing with sensitive issues relating to race and religion.

"Nevertheless, for these issues to be addressed effectively, it is more appropriate to have these discussions behind closed doors. Sensitive issues must be handled objectively, rationally and maturely," he said.

"Umno and its colleagues in Barisan Nasional must never be ensnared by religious and racial issues raised by the opposition.

"We are the party that controls government, we administer executive power. We should never allow ourselves to sink to their level."