Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad's calls for a united Malay race is actually a tactic to divert the attention of the Malays from the rampant corrupt practises and cronyism in the government, said Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

She said that only the Umno leaders were repeatedly stating that there was disunity among the Malays.

"The Malay community do not consider this to be an issue at all. A majority of them are very united in the opposition front (Barisan Alternatif)," she said in her weekly article which is to appear in tomorrow's edition of PAS' newsletter Harakah.

She added that Keadilan rejects this Umno tactic, stressing that the main aim of Keadilan is to have a united Malaysia, irrespective of races.

Proposed discussions

Umno yesterday proposed that the party, Keadilan and PAS get together to hold discussions on matters pertaining to Malay unity.

Umno deputy president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday that the proposed talks will not impose any conditions on the opposition parties.

He said the meeting would benefit the Malays as a whole as Malay unity has always been the basis for national unity.

The proposed talks were mooted by Umno's management and disciplinary committee following a request by Mahathir.

Wan Azizah said that talks on unity must be done with genuine interest in the matter.

"Such talks must be done in a candid manner. Keadilan is willing to talk to anyone, as long as it is done in a proper and just manner," she said.

Saviour or destroyer?

Wan Azizah added that Mahathir is now portraying himself as the saviour of the Malay race when in fact he is the person who is constantly creating racial tension.

"Mahathir wants to address the issue of Malay unity but at the same time, he attacks PAS overly (for their role in uniting the Malays) and had reacted badly over the Barisan Nasional's recent loss in the Lunas by-election," she said.

She added that the people are more concerned with matters such as the government bailing out unsuccessful businessmen who are close to Umno and the government.

"The price of rubber has decreased, prices of household goods have increased, flash floods are apparent everywhere and these matters are not given due consideration because too much emphasis is given to mega projects," she added.

Sparking anger

Wan Azizah added that Mahathir's call to make Malay unity an issue will also spark the anger of the Chinese community.

She said that the Chinese community, through lobby group Suqiu, has expressed its stand on protecting provisions of the Federal Constitution, including on matters involving special Malay rights and language.

"Keadilan has also expressed its stand on Suqiu's appeals, that they are just and based on democratic principles," said Wan Azizah.

"Such wishes must be carried together by all parties to ensure that all races in Malaysia are united," she said.