KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA needs a new basis for race relation based on a shared future, historical facts and today's reality, said Umno president Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.
At the same time, he said, the new foundation must also not cast aside today's political and economic reality and future potential. 'We don't live in utopia. We cannot run from the reality of today's world. Ours is a country that holds fast to the constitution and the rule of law as stated in the Rukun Negara.
'The status of the Malays and Bumiputera and the rights of other races is stated clearly in the Federal Constitution. Thus, be wary of those dream merchants who are spinning myths, untruths and propagating racial hatred and trading on slander,' he said in his presidential address at the Umno's 61st general assembly Thursday.
Mr Najib, who is also Prime Minister, said the Malays were hurt when the social contract that was agreed by the forefathers of various races who had agreed to make sacrifices to gain the independence were now being questioned.
At the same time, he said, Malaysians needed to remind themselves that the the success of the country was made possible through the contribution of ideas and sacrifices by various races
'The fact is, it is not due to the exclusive contribution of one race, but it is the fruits of collective labour of all races,' he said. He said the problem started when some individuals trivialised history or when there were irresponsible people who tried to interpret history according to their narrow agenda or political interest. -- THE STAR/ANN
