PAKATAN Harapan, in its much-publicised intent to rebuild a new Malaysia, is at a crossroads after two consecutive by-election defeats in a month. Some of its leaders are boldly advocating pushing forth policies in favour of the Malay-Bumiputera agenda instead of its earlier claims of pursuing a needs-based policy for a better socio-economic construct.

The millions of Malaysians who helped bring about change in the last general election cannot help but wonder if the PH government is now being regressive and the so-called “New Malaysia” is no more than rhetorical hailing.

Since end-December, two prominent PH leaders have spoken of the Malay-Bumiputera agenda. Bersatu president MuhyiddinYassin, at his party’s AGM on December 28, spoke about the party’s intent to champion the Bumiputera agenda. PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali, on March 3, after PH’s Semenyih by-election defeat, spoke about the need to fulfil promises on the Malay-Bumiputera agenda.

However, it is unclear what this Malay-Bumiputera agenda is. Nothing much was mentioned and published, other than the agenda being first mooted at the 2018 Congress on the Future of Bumiputeras and the Nation held on September 1, organised by the Economic Affairs Ministry.

Why are PH leaders using the term “Malay agenda” when it was prominently used at previous Umno AGMs and in private discourse among Umno politicians? The Malay agenda is an Umno concept of “ketuanan Melayu” that has its central argument based on the “social contract”, the special position of Malays as in Article 153 of the constitution interpreted as rights, and the affirmative-action socio-economic policy.

Umno politicians previously demanded that the affirmative-action policy be continued infinitely. Some also demanded that the share equity in public corporations be increased from 30% to 70%.

Najib Razak, when he was deputy prime minister, said there would be no time limit set to achieve the Malay agenda.

Malaysians at large do not dispute the fact that the majority of those in B40 comprises Malays, and they need help the most. So are other have-not ethnic groups who are in need of help. NEP, with its affirmative-action policy, started off with the noble intent to eradicate poverty and bring about the more equitable distribution of wealth. Instead, due to bad implementation, the policy ended with widespread abuse of power and rampant corruption, enriching politicians and their cronies. But for those targeted to be helped, Malays, the majority remain less fortunate and even in poverty.

At the outset, NEP, with its affirmative-action policy, was supposed to mould, guide and assist those in need among Malays with the capacity to be able to stand on their own and compete. Instead, just easy givings were distributed – undeserved promotions, contracts, grants and licences, just to make them millionaires, etc. They became spoilt, greedy, uncompetitive and unenterprising, and remained lazy.

The term “Malay agenda” sounds so racist. The Bumiputera add-on to the term is a poor attempt at camouflaging the racist intent of the agenda. It seems that the much-touted phrase “I am colour-blind”, often uttered by PH politicians at ceramah, rings hollow. By all means, even if the policy to help the less fortunate among the Malaysian populace is to be in place, phrase it with a more acceptable designation.

Perhaps, call it the People’s Equitable Programme, or anything except one with racial connotations.

For those who have made good because they worked hard and smart, irrespective of their ethnic background, they are to be encouraged. It does not matter who becomes rich, so long as the wealth is channelled back into the economy. Wealth earned and created, circulated within the national economy gives further impetus to economic multipliers and an increased GDP. Even if tens of thousands of Malays and Bumiputeras become billionaires, but park their wealth overseas, the so-called “Malay agenda” would be a flop.

The needs-based socio-economic policy is understood to be the driver to rebuild in the new Malaysian context. Under whatever challenging circumstances, PH politicians are expected to provide good leadership, explain such policies and lead the people towards a commonwealth good for our nation. Insisting on policies to favour the Malay-Bumiputera agenda reveals the nakedness of their leadership qualities. – March 7, 2019.

* 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.