“We should not have to be embarrassed when speaking of the direction and future of our own people. And more importantly, we do not have to be apologetic to others because this is about us,” he said in his policy speech at the UMNO annual general assembly today.
“If we ourselves do not stand up to defend the dignity of our own people, who else will?,” he asked.
He said recent developments have brought Malays to reflect and question their identity. This, he said, is a normal process, practised by responsible, dignified and progressive race.
UMNO is holding its annual general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre from Nov 25 to 29. - Bernama Photo
In his speech, Khairy reminded of the Social Contract and questioned why there were still non-Malays who are questioning the privileges accorded to the Malays.
"If the Malays can accept it by not raising the matter of citizenship and acknowledging that we cannot shut down vernacular schools, why are there those among non-malays who refuse to honour what they have previously agreed upon," he asked.
"Why are there those who ask for the Malay special privileges to be stopped, those who dispute the position of the Malay rulers and even those who cannot speak a word of the national language," he said.
Khairy said since the Malays are upholding the agreement, it is only fair that the non-Malays do the same.
"Never again dispute what has been agreed upon. We are not demanding that they give up what they already have, but merely to keep to what we all have agreed together," he said.
Said Khairy, UMNO Youth believes that there has to be boundaries to every form of freedom. Whatever that is sensitive, whatever that can bring our unity into dispute, must be avoided.
"Whether the Sedition Act is to be retained or improvised, the discussion becomes hollowed if we do not understand the spirit and direction of a diverse nation. Whether they are Acts, bylaws or customs, sensitive matters should be left untouched. Why should we fan the flames of anger?
According to Khairy, a shield for protection is required – not just for the Malays – but all Malaysians. The Sedition Act is to be amended or reviewed, what is most important is that there has to be provisions which will stop and punish anyone who makes seditious statements or acts.
"These provisions serve as protection not just for the Malays, but all the other races. If there are those who would cross the line and insult the national language or the Malay rulers, UMNO Youth will urge for swift prosecution.
"At the same time, if there are those who scorn or insult other races, UMNO Youth should also be the first in demanding that action be taken against them! To the leadership in Government, UMNO Youth urges that no matter what happens to the Sedition Act, with whatever new name that it assumes, we want the powers vested in this law to be retained in some ways as a shield for all. Without it to protect us, the nation would be in ruins.
In this day and age, people cannot just rely on Sedition Act in today’s world. People cannot just refrain ourselves from questioning rights of others.
"We must have unity in our principle and stand firm in the spirit of togetherness to shape a united Malaysia. All of us must be committed in shaping the very fabric of our national unity," he said.
