The Umno Youth president post is indeed a hot one. Last night, the three contenders; Mukriz Mahathir (74 nominations), with Mohd Khir Toyo (62 nominations) and Khairy Jamaluddin (53 nominations) participated in a live debate on TV9.

It is interesting to note their respective answers to some pertinent questions of interest.

On ISA

Mukriz said he was in favour of using the law which allows detention without trial against those who pose a threat to national security and racial harmony. “When we allow people to hold demonstrations and protests without enforcing the laws, such as ISA, to control the situation, it will result in by-elections not going our way,” he said.

Khairy said he was willing to discuss amendments to the ISA, especially on the extensive powers given to the home minister in ordering the detention of citizens.

Khir Toyo, like Mukriz, took the hardline in urging for the strengthening of ISA but was quick to add that the government should explain to the public on why such a tough security law is needed. “The action from the government has been weak, for example the Karpal (Singh) issue. After more than 100 police report lodged, there is still no action taken. This has been a disappointment…,” he said.

On Teaching Maths & Science in English

Khairy was in favour of reverting back to Bahasa Malaysia as the main medium of instruction. “Personally I think there need to be changes because the effectiveness of the programme is not proven, especially in the rural areas,” said Khairy.

Mukhriz supported his father, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who implemented the existing policy. “I agree that ‘bahasa jiwa bangsa’ (language is the soul of the race), but we have to make sure we do not lose our competitiveness, not only against other races but other countries.”

Khir (sorry his response was not recorded by Malaysiakini)

Famous last words

Mukhriz promised to emulate the leadership qualities of his father Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who ruled Malaysia for 22 years.

Khir said Umno needs to return to the foundation which it was formed which is defending the Malay rights and Islam.“I am concerned that this Ketuanan Rakyat means Malays and other races, Islam and other religions will be placed on a level footing. The fact is Malays have a special position while Islam is the constitutional religion,” Dr Mohd Khir said. “Jika tumbang politik Melayu, tumbang la negara (Malay politics is backbone of the country). That’s why we are different from MCA, Gerakan and others,” he said. “The social contract is not unfair. I challenge those who do not agree to get into Parliament and change the Constitution then.”

“Do not think that the transition of power will solve everything. The transition is just like laying the foundation. Without reform, the transition will be meaningless,” said Khairy.

My 2-sen conclusion

Two of the three attributed BN’s lost in the last GE to street protests and said that ISA is important to curb these protests!

One defended Ketuanan Melayu , to regain the support of the Malays and possibly PAS??

CAN WE SINGLE OUT THE BIGGEST ENEMY HERE? NO PRIZE FOR THE RIGHT ANSWER!

SO IF YOU HAVE A CHOICE, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

1) The 22-year-old vomit, about to be regurgitated, for another 22 years of autocracy?

2) The leopard who will not change his spots no matter how many rounds of skin-peeling undergone? It’s also back to the same vomit.

3) The braggart  ladder-climber who hopes to take a short-cut?

(And don’t you dare say that this does not concern you… remember it’s always the Umno president who will become the PM!)

(source: Malaysiakini)