THE recent flip-flop decision of our government regarding ratification of the United Nations’ International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) is an indication of how unclear the narrative is for our nation in moving forward since the new government’s 100-day honeymoon period until now. It is also indicative of a constrained society subservient and conditioned to the weaponising of race and religion by a regime that ruled for too long.

Challenged by the opposition and pressure groups against ICERD ratification on the argument that Article 153 of the Constitution would have to be amended and that Islam could lose its status as the religion of the Federation, Pakatan Harapan leaders balked and found recluse in political expediency rather than providing the leadership our nation is so much in need of.

While politicians strive for survival and seek popularity, true leaders are those with wisdom and foresight, and above all, courage to lead the people from their current predicament to future good, even if decisions are unpopular.

But can we really fault these PH leaders for their fear of losing votes and reprisals from those who have been, for decades, conditioned into misplaced belief that it is their perpetual right and that they are entitled to be provided more and treated as first class?

Julia Yeow, in her opinion piece on November 26, aptly said, “When an entire generation has been fed the idea that it is perfectly acceptable to level the playing field between the races by dishing out race-based quotas and handicaps for an indefinite period of time, it’s really little surprise that even a change of government cannot change the insecurities and prejudice of our people”.

Politicians are themselves succumbing to these insecurities and prejudices, and are unable to provide leadership; as such, they merely occupy space and bide their time.

Other than leadership issues, there is a void of clear narratives driving our people and nation forward.

More than six months have passed since the herald of new hopes, new promises for change, a new Malaysia and a new beacon. Now, defeated by anti-ICERD protests by time-tested race and religion weapons, the light is dim.

On the current contentious issues of race, religion and affirmative action policies, to my knowledge, no politician has ever expressed his views with as much clarity and boldness as G25 Malaysia adviser Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim who, on November 23 via a WhatsApp message that was widely circulated, said as follows:

“Non-Muslims have never expressed worries over Article 3 because they know that Islam has always been integral to the Malay sultanates since over 500 years ago. Further, it is clear from the constitutional discussions prior to independence that Islam was not meant to be the basis of governing the country, and that all laws passed by Parliament would follow the secular system, which we inherited, from British colonial rule.

“Thus, criminal and civil laws, such as on national security, finance, banking, accounting, education, health, etc, are all secular in structure and content. Only state legislatures make laws on religion, but on the authority of Parliament as prescribed under the Constitution.

“Tunku Abdul Rahman, our first prime minister, gave an assurance that Malaysia would remain a secular country, for all intents and purposes. And this assurance is being honoured to the letter over the last 62 years of independence.”

With regards to Article 153, he said:

“It has never been the intention that Malays and other Bumiputeras are to be treated as special citizens forever or that they are a superior race. The government has acknowledged that its policy of affirmative intervention will continue to redress the racial and regional imbalances in the country but it has stated that this policy will be carried out on the basis of needs instead of race in order to ensure that only those who need assistance should get it.

“This policy of needs-based intervention is universally accepted as just and fair. It is viewed in all UN conventions as necessary for ensuring sustainable development. Non-Malays do not see it as an issue because they agree that inequalities of income, especially if they are identified by race, or by regions, cannot be good for peace and stability in any country.  

“It should be noted that the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), World Bank and IMF (International Monetary Fund) reports have never questioned the need for the NEP (New Economic Policy) when it was introduced in 1971. What they have criticised is on the wastages and leakages of public resources associated with the cronyism and favouritism in giving preferential treatment to Malays in government procurement, share allocations, privatisation projects and other business privileges.”

If only PH politicians had the guts of Sheriff to articulate facts clearly and not to play it safe by straddling both sides of contentious issues, then the narratives driving our nation forward would be clear. Objectives and how to go about uniting our people would be comprehensible and encourage willing participation.

On the other hand, if politicians remain politicians in their familiar comfort zone seeking popularity and not act as leaders, the aim of becoming an Asian Tiger again is a dream waiting to fade.

Our politicians should draw inspiration from the quote of the 19th century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, who said, “All truth passes through three stages: first, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as self-evident”. – November 29, 2018.

* Captain Dr Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to promote national harmony. Captain Wong is also a member of the National Patriots Association.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.