LETTER | Yes! The topic - purging of Umno dissidents - is in itself self-explanatory and is often overlooked. It is being treated as some issue that could be put off till another day or apparently to another time.

It is a big mistake to treat the issue lightly. You see, by putting off doing the needful action, you are keeping the matter in cold storage and treating it as something for the archives.

For example, you can see from the recent suspension and sacking of Umno leaders that it is similar to the purging of dissident members from Umno for the first time in umpteen years, inevitably, for breaching party rules and for actions against the party during the 15th general election.

For this belated action and procrastination, as a result, the party suffered big losses in the GE15.

As a layman and an ordinary person, what I pen here are my own views.

It is just hearsay to read news reports about how Hishammuddin Hussein reacted to his six-year suspension from Umno, saying that for him it is a new beginning and he is leaving it for the Umno grassroots members in Sembrong constituency for guidance on what to do next so that his spirit to fight for religion, race and country is not dampened.

But why ask for guidance on the need to fight for the country when we are not at war with any nation?

And it is silly to fight for religion and race when the majority race here are the Malays who are all mostly Muslims.

So, Hishammuddin, no worry here; you are the majority race and you are Muslim. You don't need to go to war and fight for religion and race.

You just do your job well as an MP and law-maker and help bring the nation forward to the next level to become a developed nation and continue to take the country to greater heights and progress.

So, stop playing on racial and religious issues.

Do it for the goodness and well-being of the people and nation at large.

Besides, Islam is the official religion in Malaysia; it is already enshrined in the Federal Constitution. And, moreover, the majority race is the Muslims, so there is no fear of the minority races - such as the Chinese, Indians, Sabahans and Sarawakians.

So, what's Hishammuddin talking about?

In fact, he should make plans to develop the country and strengthen the economy and stability instead of barking up the wrong tree - playing the race and religion cards.

He should use his good office to take the country to the next level.

Look here! People don't want to go to war, mah. That's why your party suffered big losses in GE15. Yes! What Hishammuddin reckons needs fighting over for - all that he can now put them to rest and get rewarded with a peaceful and amicable settlement.

Smoking the peace pipe is good for you, Hishammuddin. You can leave behind your old thoughts and see the light again and especially what the people want you to do - to right the wrongs.

Get real when you still have the power before it is too late and that is when it is game over!

LAU BING is a community activist and writer based in Subang Jaya.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.