KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 ― Despite the repeated attacks against the Chinese community by Umno delegates at the party's general assembly, a senior party leader insisted today that the Barisan Nasional (BN) anchor party fights for all races.

Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Shabery Cheek said the sentiments expressed by delegates during their policy speech debates were merely their personal views, which likely stemmed from frustration towards the community for supporting the opposition despite government efforts to safeguard their interests.

“That was merely his views but I believe in a democratic system you serve the people and this means towards all the people because each vote is crucial,” the Multimedia and Communications Minister told reporters when met on the sidelines of the ongoing assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

“I think they just said it because they have tried to win Chinese support but did not get them despite all the efforts,” he added.

Shabery was commenting on the Perak delegate Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan's call earlier today for Umno to abandon the Chinese after the community overwhelmingly voted for the opposition in last year's general election.

The minister then said it was wrong to suggest that Umno stop trying to woo support from the country's second largest race, adding that the Chinese should acknowledge that only the Umno government can meet their needs.

“No we cannot abandon the Chinese but at the same time Umno must protect its roots, which is the Malays.

“The feelings of the Malays must be safeguarded and if the Malays unite with Umno, I believe the Chinese will have no other option but to support Umno because majority of them are pragmatic,” he said.

Shabery then added it was futile for the Chinese to support other parties as only those in power can safeguard their interests.

This year's Umno AGM has so far seen a steady feat of racially-charged speeches.

Yesterday, party deputy president and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that Chinese employers often discriminate against Bumiputera graduates.

On Wednesday, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin suggested  the Chinese community was not holding to their part of the bargain as agreed upon in a social contract between the three major races post ― independence.

Earlier this morning, the Perak delegate said the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition should drop efforts to win non-Malay support, claiming the communities have betrayed the government.