DEFENDING Malay and Bumiputera rights is not racist as the community’s well-being is important to maintain stability in the country, Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian said today.

He added Malay folk have never denied other races the their rights in nation-building efforts.

“Defending the rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras is not racist, and this should be understood by all people of this country, whether they are Malays or other races.

“The Malays are important in maintaining stability in the country as their identity and history form the basis of the existence of this nation,” Osman said at the Harimau Asia Convention at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam today.

“I believe the traits of the Malays, who are polite and tolerant, have never caused the denial of rights of other races in nation-building.

“Our acceptance of other races is very open. We allow all cultures to be practised in this prosperous country,” he said.

Osman said he was aware of some parties’ view that the Malay agenda was becoming a barrier to efforts to enhance the image and strengthen the Malay community.

He also described claims that the position of Malays in the country was under threat as nothing more than “a shaky political ploy”.

“The Malays have often been criticised over their fear that their position is under threat. This is nothing more than just slanderous political rhetoric.

“Although there are many educated Malays now, we are still unable to convince ourselves that there is nothing to fear as Malays in this country are clearly privileged and protected by the federal constitution,” Osman said.

He, however, said that Malays can be quite emotional, and rely on things other than logic and facts.

“The Malays now have two choices – continue using emotional and irrational narratives to burn themselves out or pause for a moment and call for mutual change.

“If we want Malaysia to become an ‘Asian Tiger’ again, Malays should not be complacent about their rights and privileges, which contributed to them being left behind,” he added. – April 1, 2019.