Berita Harian for the last two days has been carrying Hindraf-bashing headlines.

The article quoted several non-governmental organisations (NGOs). They want the Umno government to take quick action against the leaders of the banned organisation. Their assertion is that the leaders of Hindraf are threatening the stability of the nation by issuing extreme statements, which is racist in nature and challenges the rule of law. These NGOs further recommend that the leaders be re-detained in Kamunting.

Umno is running out of ideas to continue to maintain the loyalty of the people that it now turns to such irresponsible methods to try and regain Malay voter loyalty.

Hindraf is not an extremist organisation. It never, explicitly or implicitly, espoused anything other what is within its constitutional rights. So, to say that Hindraf is threatening the stability of the country is true to Umno style of sabre rattling (like the kissing of the ‘keris') is another method out of its methods kit to hang on to power. Scare the people, one way or another. This is exactly George Bush-style: like the mission to search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

As long as Umno continues to be in total denial and continues trying to manage perceptions rather than the substantive issues, the country will continue to slip.

As Umno becomes more and more bankrupt of ideas to remain in power, we can expect more of this kind of saber rattling.

If Umno is to reform at all, it must first stop these racist antics. Yes, they can turn around and say that it is not they who are making these statements but the NGOs. That is an argument that will no more be bought. The ‘rakyat' are more savvy these days and they can make out ‘sandiwara' clearly after all the education that Umno has given them over the years.

Umno stop Hindraf bashing. Get real. Stop your antics.