IF the media, both social and mainstream, is to be believed, the Malay political ground is becoming restless. A heady cocktail brewed mostly by politicians, who have lost power, and their friends, who have lost benefits derived from access to that power, could be partially to blame for this.

Singaporean Malays get a lot of local jokes cracked at their expense. They are also often used as reference by Malaysian politicians on both aisles who wish to make a point about Bumiputra welfare, as an example of what happens when you neglect this important political point. Strangely, for a people often touted as neglected by their government, and despite the Bumiputra advantages that would be afforded them here, they do not appear to be queuing up to cross over the Malaysia.

Why? Because despite the country being dominated by its Chinese majority, and its own fair share of political issues, the base needs of their citizens, including the Bumiputra ones, are taken care of. There is economic wisdom in staying put in a country with strong fundamentals and good prospects. 

At the end of the day, racial sentiment at best works as a flint, and catches fire because of some other underlying reason – economic dissatisfaction, ineffective policies, ineptitude of the government, or any combination of these and other factors. The “us versus them” narrative only works when we have a real reason to be angry with “them”. Most who respond to racial, religious or other communal rhetoric rarely agree with the actual propaganda but harbour anger over other issues.

You can address people’s anger without directly addressing its racial overtones. Almost all problems packaged as a racial issue are really just practical issues that should be addressed as other problems – via a comprehensive policy, sound strategy and thorough implementation.

Most of the issues raised by the opposition and positioned as Bumiputra issues mostly fall under this category. “Oppression” may be an unfair way to say it, but the underlying reason it resonates with people is that lack of new jobs, lack of prospect of earning in present jobs, lack of infrastructure or assistance to increase or create new and better jobs, and lack of business opportunities contribute to feelings of marginalisation, which leads to dissatisfaction and anger.

Take for example, Johan, a fresh university graduate in debt to PTPTN. He tries to find a job but due to the low salaries and prospects, and after months of fruitless searching, decides to be a rideshare driver. At first, he does alright, but the lack of jobs in the market forces more and more graduates to be rideshare drivers and he finds his income depleting. 

Around this time, he finds out the new government’s promise to remove toll will not take place after all. Sure, petrol is cheaper, and GST has been removed, and that saves him about RM100 a month, but that hardly covers the income loss. While he is trying to figure out how to make money, PTPTN announces it will won’t be forgiving debts. As he reels from the news, a new rule is introduced for commercial vehicles. He can no longer use his Axia for ridesharing and he must come out with several hundred ringgit to sit for exams, undergo medical tests and register his vehicle.

Meanwhile, he sees the government as more interested in things like institutional reform and tackling corruption, with the occasional silly statement about bamboo or flying cars.  And out comes the man he hated a few months ago, with a new look, slogan and even hashtag, going “I told you so!”

No one is questioning the need to improve our democracy, implement long term strategies for the betterment of the country and economic reform. However, in doing so, it is important not to leave out Johan Public, keep him informed, and ensure his needs are kept a priority. Implement quick wins to keep him confident that the government has his interests at heart. Save him a few ringgit, and help him earn a few more.

So how to tackle racial anger?

Tackle regular anger first, and the racial version should be much easier to deal with. – April 12, 2019.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* 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.