Beset by scandals such as allegations of embezzlement and gross violation of civil liberties, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, may find himself having to resort to playing the race card in order to maintain his party’s five decade long grip on power after his personal troubles with accusations of embezzlement and abuse of power.
fmtoday: Najib eyes snap poll, vows fight to the death https://t.co/NoYqPI0pCJ
— Malaysia News (@Malaysia_Latest) December 1, 2016
“God willing, we will fight until the death and until the last drop of blood,” Najib told delegates, who had earlier greeted him with enthusiastic applause, signalling their support for his leadership.
“Please realise my (Malay) race, do not falter for a moment as we are facing unprecedented challenges,” he added.
But what does a fight to the death really mean? – The Hindustan Times
IN VIOLENT MODE, NAJIB APPEALS TO GOD: ‘WE PROMISE TO FIGHT TO DEATH UNTIL WE HAVE SPILLED OUR LAST DROP OF BLOOD’ – this is very dangerous
— Omar Zaid, M.D. (@OmarZaidMD) December 1, 2016
Prays for traitors to be kept at bay, Najib vows to fight till death https://t.co/yPMWmRP0Gc
— Nigel Aw (@nigelaw) December 1, 2016
Najib has grown increasingly desperate, arresting the leaders of a peaceful protests for electoral reform under a law that was intended to “curb terrorism”.
Meet Maria Chin: leader of a democracy movement, feminist, & single-mother. Now detained by Najib Razak under anti-terror measures #SOSMA. pic.twitter.com/9oMBpQgYeC
— Yin Shao Loong (@yinshaoloong) November 20, 2016
Pro-UMNO/Najib social media warriors have already sprung into action – utilizing race rhetoric ahead of the election in order to draw out the less-educated, rural base that are very much more responsive to the old brand of hate politics. As is usually the case in Southeast Asia, Chinese are targeted in times of political crisis:
Chinese may suffer if continue support DAP? https://t.co/SjjgFv48Ln @nonvitaltooth @kuabt @arifsetia2013 @_chuad @lowelsielow54 @billtay25
— estee gan (@gst183) December 1, 2016
It appears that the UMNO internet warriors have received their marching orders and the race hate has already begun. The election is just around the corner. Let the racism begin.
VIDEO: The only question that matters is, in a real democracy, does the man/woman on the street still buy into the five-decades old IV feed of racism and cheap promises?