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FOR the past two days, Umno delegates have voiced their concerns on many issues, with an insistence that Malay privileges should not be questioned by others.

Puteri Umno delegate Norha- mizah Mat Tahir demanded that action be taken against those who inflame racial sentiments.

In debating the president’s speech on Wednesday, she said the young women’s wing advocated that punishment be meted out to those who played up racial issues, including from the Barisan Nasional component parties.

"These racial issues are a threat to the country’s unity and stability by stoking the fires of hatred and anger. This could destroy everything we have worked for.

"We urge the president to take harsh action against them. Puteri will support any punitive action taken against such groups or individuals," she said to applause from some 2,500 delegates.
Selangor Umno representative Datuk Ahmad Furis Mohd Nor, referring to the demolition of a temple in Shah Alam recently, said the authorities in Selangor had also taken action against the construction of illegal surau.

He said approvals had also been obtained to build surau but they were not built in the name of unity.

"We in Umno want our non-Umno friends to have better understanding of inter-racial ties and be more sensitive for the sake of unity."

Sharing Ahmad Furis’s views, Wanita Umno exco member Datuk Kamalia Ibrahim said specific regulations should be outlined to put a stop to the construction of illegal places of worship.

"We in Wanita want to warn certain quarters not to play with fire. Legal matters should not be turned into racial issues or conflicts. Bear in mind that Umno has sacrificed many of its seats for its non-Umno friends," she said.

Perak delegate Datuk Hasbullah Osman said Umno had never compromised efforts to uphold unity.

"Umno at times is afraid of the possibility that unity may be compromised in this country. Within Umno itself, it sometimes experiences situations that shake its unity.

"Now, our rakyat can openly talk about power-sharing and why don’t we bring it a step further and talk about sharing the country’s wealth?" he said.

Umno speakers also brought up issues such as:

- Religion:

Negri Sembilan delegate Datuk Ismail Lasim said Islam Hadhari should be introduced in schools either as a module or separate subject.

"Islam Hadhari is the answer to human capital development," he said.

- Malay attitudes:

"It is sad that in an era when education is a priority, some parents would rather spend their bonuses on improving their lifestyles while hoping for all sorts of funds for their children’s college fees," said Kedah delegate Datuk Azimi Daim.

- Civil servants:

"Civil servants who are unwilling to perform should resign. They are a burden to the government," said Datuk Ahmad Tajuddin Sulaiman, a Pahang delegate

- Bloggers:

"We are aware of the lies being spread about our party and the country’s leadership by certain bloggers. Our club would like to propose that the party form our own network of bloggers to counter such slander," said Aminuddin Abdul Nasir, an Overseas Umno Club representative

-Federal Constitution:

"We must not be selective in choosing to protect particular elements of the Constitution based only on one’s preference," said Senator Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, a Johor delegate.