The Malays in this country should he wary of individuals with "Si Kitol" and "Raja Mendeliar" traits trying to cause disunity in the community, said UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

According to Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals), Si Kitol and Raja Mendeliar were treacherous, divisive individuals in 16th century Melaka, causing a situation that left Melaka vulnerable to the invading Portuguese, which led to the collapse of the Melaka Sultanate.

Ismail Sabri, who is Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the Malays must learn lessons from it so as not to repeat this dark episode in the country's history by believing in such individuals.

"Today, there are a number of 'Si Kitol' and 'Raja Mendeliar' trying to destroy the Malay-led government, hence we must stop them," he said when opening the Alor Gajah UMNO division delegates' conference in Selandar, here, Sunday. Also present was division chief, Datuk Abdul Ghafaar Atan.

Ismail Sabri said the Malays formed the majority of the country's population at around 60 per cent but if there were splits, they could be the minority.

"It's worse if we are split by our own former party (UMNO) leaders. Imagine all our secret party strategies are with them too as they were also involved in the planning.

"Now that they're working with the DAP, the strategies are given to the DAP, not just to destroy UMNO but the Malays as well."

He said the UMNO-led government had successfully managed the people and country since independence, causing many nationals from countries which received their independence earlier, to come in droves to Malaysia to earn a living.

Ismail Sabri said the government had taken care of the Malays through such efforts like reducing hardcore poverty from 60 per cent before independence to less than one per cent now.

"The UMNO-led ruling government has proved itself able to look after the people's lot. But where was the other side (opposition) when the Malays in Kampung Mutiara and the Indians in Kampung Buah Pala, Penang were evicted from their (BN) villages?" he said.

In KINABATANGAN, another UMNO Supreme Council member, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin reminded party members to avoid infighting as it could split the party and cause it to lose in the 14th general election.

"What should be the priority is maintaining unity and remaining loyal to the party and leaders. Let's not allow our emotions to hamper our struggles for the party," he said when simultaneously opening the Kinabatangan UMNO division Wanita, Youth and Puteri delegates' conference, Sunday.

He said to continue winning the hearts and minds of the grassroots, UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) members needed to work hard before and after the general election in serving the people regardless of their race, religion and political ideology.

"This is important to convince the voters, especially the fence sitters, to support BN for continued development," he added.

-- BERNAMA