OUR prime minister, in closing the Umno General Assembly last week, said that leaders of a race who respect and honour the Federal Constitution must also be responsible enough to defend the rights of the non-Malays. He reminded his members that Barisan Nasional, the country's coalition government, should make decisions based on what is best for the country and its people. Indeed, one accedes to our country's premier a merit of consistency in calling for tolerance and respect for all ethnic groups alike.