‘Guru’ remark was a clear signal, says Umno leader

KUALA LUMPUR: The four-word reference to “guru” in Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s policy speech yesterday was a carefully delivered signal aimed at a senior figure in the unity government, says Umno Batu division chief Gulam Muszaffar.

Gulam said the remark had quickly become a talking point because of its simplicity, describing it as “classic” and a powerful example of how a short phrase could convey a much deeper message without directly naming anyone.

He said effective communication did not always require lengthy explanations, as a single phrase could be enough to make its intended meaning understood.

“YAB (the president) was smart in sending a signal to whoever he was referring to, while ensuring that everyone could understand who the message was meant for without mentioning any name,” he said in a statement today.

Gulam said that, in its conventional meaning, a teacher was someone who deserved respect, but Umno’s reference to “guru” should also be understood in the context of the infamous “Guru Yahya” episode in Batu Pahat, Johor, in the 1980s.

He said the incident involved a deviant cult teaching and a bloody confrontation at the Batu Pahat police station, an episode which was later dramatised by RTM in 1986.

“Does Umno want to learn from a ‘Guru Yahya’ — a misguided teacher whose actions led followers to become blindly devoted and support him without question?” he asked.

Gulam said Umno would certainly not adopt such an approach, but would instead act to stop and prevent such behaviour because of the damage caused by the teachings and actions associated with the figure.

“That is the analogy conveyed by the Umno president in his policy speech yesterday — delivered in a subtle manner, but easy enough for everyone to understand,” he said.

Gulam said while a good teacher should always be respected, not every person who assumes the role of a teacher necessarily deserved such respect.

“‘Guru Yahya’ was one such example, and Umno does not need to play a role in the ‘Guru Yahya’ drama,” he said.

He said phrases such as “Stop the Guru” and “Enough is enough, Guru” were simple but clear signals to the individual concerned, adding that the person himself would know who was being referred to,” he said.