Non-Malays need not fear congress, says Muhyiddin - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Non-Malays need not feel their rights are being infringed by the recent resolution adopted during a congress consisting of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) calling for Malay privileges to be upheld.

Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Kongres Permuafakatan Melayu, which concluded in Johor Baru over the weekend, was an expression of the perception held by the NGOs that their rights had been eroded.

He added that the Government and Umno needed to take note of the situation and not take things lightly.

“They feel that their rights are being less fought for by the Government and they want attention to be given.

“But non-Malays should not feel threatened. There is no taking away the rights of any race,” he told reporters yesterday, after inspecting preparations for the Fifth Malaysia International Halal Showcase exhibition which will be opened on Thursday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“Maybe, they feel the current Umno leadership is not being seen as giving the due attention. We accept their resolution with an open heart,” he added.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/6/nation/21156308&sec=nation]