Institute for Democracy & Economic Affairs (Ideas) chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan was commenting on the “DAP-bashing” that featured prominently during the just-concluded Umno general assembly.
He said however that in terms of winning the election, this was “definitely” the right move for Umno.
“If we’re thinking about the coming election, bashing DAP will ensure Umno members have a common enemy and will also nudge Malay voters towards supporting the Malay-based party,” he said.
However, he said this could also pave the way for a “breakdown” in the country.
“Basically they are pulling the Malays together under the assumption that the Chinese are taking over. It is a brilliant move to win the next general election but they will win the election by breaking up the country.”
He claimed DAP was nothing more than a code to refer to the Chinese. “So it’s not even about DAP.”
Asked if there were any shortcomings about the Umno general assembly, Saiful said many issues had been “swept under the carpet.”
“Issues about blind loyalty; issues about governance of state-owned enterprises; especially 1MDB, and issues on various different arrests made by the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) under the allegation of corruption.
“These were touched on lightly by a few people but hardly resolved at all,” he said.