Malaysia Matters Podcast

Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who heads the Bukit Bendera Umno, allegedly made a gaff last week during the run up to the by-election that is still being felt. 

Ahmed is reported to have said that “the Chinese were mere squatters or temporary residents of the nation and therefore, it was impossible to achieve equal rights amongst races in the country.”

Naturally, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Gerakan are quite upset over this. 

As it is, the idea is being floated that Gerakan should withdraw from BN. Whether it would join Pakatan Rakyat, stand alone, or dissolve, it’s loss to BN, though a relatively small portion of the coalition, would still provide fodder for Anwar and PKR with which to tear at the government.

In the midst of great effort to stave off the momentum behind Anwar’s resurgance of power and the the very real possibility that Anwar may be able to make good on his promise to topple the government, Umno cannot afford ridiculous mistakes that only serve to fracture Barisan Nasional.