The amazing thing is how successful this ploy is even after so many years, at diverting attention from one's own wrongdoing, actual or perceived.
From The Sun:
Hishammuddin urged to lead moderate UMNO youth
KUALA LUMPUR: The controversial remark by Umno Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin that a non-Malay political party will take advantage of a weak Umno has not subsided.
Following the MCA annual general assembly last week during which Khairy was criticised, another BN coalition party Gerakan also expressed dissatisfaction over the matter.
At the party's 19th Wanita and Youth National Delegates Conference on Friday (1 Sept), Gerakan Youth chief Datuk Mah Siew Keong said although it is fair for someone to defend his own community, it should not hurt the feeling of other communities.
"If you want to play racial sentiments to gain political mileage, you are not a hero," he said, without naming names.
Khairy did not attend the convention. However, BN Youth and Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was seated on the stage with other Gerakan leaders.
In his speech, Mah also urged Hishammuddin to continue taking care of all communities regardless of ethincity.
"We should clap to encourage him to lead a more moderate Umno Youth and to face the pressure of racism he faces," he said, to a round of applause.
On the same note, Gerakan Wanita chief Tan Lian Hoe said one should not forget the needs and sentiments of others.
"Respecting each other should not only extend to Umno but to other BN component parties," she said.
She said the situation is likely to split the BN and encourage criticisms from the rakyat, thus giving the opposition the opportunity to gather votes.
She noted that leaders of the component parties and leaders should abandon selfishness to prevent conflict which may weaken the coalition.
In a press conference later, Hishammuddin reiterated the issue will be resolved within the BN.
"When the temperature is lower, it's for my deputy (Khairy) to explain what the misunderstanding is. I think that is not a problem," he said.
He said the most important thing is the relationship of the top leadership.
"Nobody can exploit short term publicity for short term gain, this applies to other issues also...We need wisdom in doing this," he said.
He said inciting racial sentiments to gain popularity at the respective community will not last long.
"Their future will be tainted by the (racist) perception. This applies to all BN Youth," he said.
