In 1970, Mahathir wrote a controversial book, the Malay Dilemma. It claimed, among others, that the Malays fell under the dominion of other races because of their tolerant and non-confrontational nature.
According to Mahathir’s understanding of eugenics, it was what was required to correct Malaysian Chinese hegemony in business. He justified the primordial differences with evolution of the genes that degraded intellectual capability in the Malay race.
His book has been the basis for a wide range of racially-skewed political, socio-economic and educational public policies under the New Economic Policy.
It made some racial generalisations like describing Jewish stinginess and financial wizardry.
Some say it nurtured toxic racial and victimhood discourse. Half a century later, the actions of the Jews are still making the news and many Malays are still in the B40 category.
Why is this?
In the constitution, Malays are supposed to be a special privileged people. However, it is only the rich Malays who have the opportunity to enjoy these privileges. Especially those with political connections and who are politicians themselves.
Dr Syed Hussein Ali argues that it is the policy of the government to create a class of wealthy Malays but there is a tendency for the leader-brokers to become wealthier. They have less time for the poor and cronyism is preferred.
He said poverty is really a class and not a racial problem, corruption has become a way of living and problems of homelessness are due to unbalanced development.
Most rich people are interested in maximising profits at the expense of others. In fact, in any community, there exists class conflicts. Look at the Malay political parties today. They have split into so many parties and we are left in the dark as to what are their real agenda’s are.
The Malay Dilemma was to share the nation’s wealth with everyone, but this sharing does not filter down to the lowest strata and yet they are crying that the Malays have lost power.
If it is true, who made it possible?
How about greed? The politicians want position and power, not to serve the people, religion and country but instead crave money and power.
There were expressions of frustration from non-Malays on the awards of government scholarships, business opportunities and other top positions for Bumiputeras.
Look at it from another perspective. With all the assistance given, who benefitted?
It seems the Bumiputeras or government setup Bumiputera organisations are controlling the banks but not actual commerce and businesses.
I took the free MRT ride a few days ago and observed the KL skyline. How many of the hundreds of high-rise buildings and costly housing development projects belong to Malays?
Political leaders cry foul of non-Malays but as can be seen in the two on-going high-profile court cases, big donations came from non-Malays.
They also blamed the British for giving economic advantages to the non-Malays but how do we justify that after six decades of independence and billions spent, more than 70% are still in the B40 group.
They have failed.
The new Malay Dilemma is, how can the Malays get more competitive without risking their humble and harmony-seeking character and belief in the present political leaders. Many are still in the comfort zone and still think that the government will spoon-feed them.
Is the Ali Baba quota system still acceptable? It is made worse when the Ali and the Baba get together to manipulate the social and political system to gain an unfair advantage.
With all the effort and assistance given, it all depends on how the community capitalises on the privileges as stated in the Constitution.
Worst still, the law seems to be applicable to the rakyat and not to those in high places.
Can we instead build bridges and agree on our similarities and differences so as to bring about positive change?
During Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), it shows the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Old Testament – Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
A certain amount of assimilation and understanding is needed. Islam calls for Allah’s abundance to be shared in a fair and equitable manner. Those bestowed with wealth are required to help the poor and needy.
Malaysians want racial and religious harmony to move forward together and have had enough of diversions.
Can we replace the old Malay Dilemma?
Can someone come forward to offer to mediate between the races?
What say you…?
Eid Mubarak.
Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.
* 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.
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Comments
The Malays there have a much much higher standard of living.
In fact, the Sarawak state government is trying to learn from that country.
Posted 3 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
Secondly, the malays will vote for the same corrupted leaders, even convicted ones as long as they are malay muslim. Will they rationalize what good is this for their future and their children's future? There are capable, clean and educated malay muslim leaders too - are they brave enough to vote for a change and reforms?
The new Malay Dilemmas are these. Instead of using religion to divide us, let there be good religious leaders who will guide muslims on the true principles and teachings of Islam with equality, peace and compassion.
Secondly, malay parents must sacrifice and work extremely hard to break the poverty cycle by providing a good education to their children. This is the key in having one generation better than the other.
Thirdly a majority of 62.5% malays can make a huge difference to chart a difference in our country. Will malays vote sensibly? Don't give face to those corrupted leaders with big titles. Take a look at President Jokowi who did not come from a elite family. Look at how he transformed Indonesia in a short period of 8 years. Where is Malaysia headed, after 63 years 9f independence? It looks like we are famous for high profile corruption cases, our education system is going backwards, we have lost our competitiveness to investors, we are forever talking about race and religion and we are so divided.
The average non malays have never depended on the government. The non malays knew they have to work extra hard to get ahead, that's ok. Our future generations will be ok too. But the non Malays do feel sad and helpless seeing the average malay selling goreng pisang & nasi lemak by the road side when they could have operated a nasi lemak franchise. The malay father who could only afford a 700 sq ft PPR flat that is not conducive for a family of 6 to study in. The malay mother who has to steal milk powder to feed her baby and ended up in jail! The malay students who have to skip meals because they don't have enough money and dare not ask their parents who do not have much either. Where are the cronies and the elites when their very own race are down and miserable? Will our bloated cabinet ministers take a pay cut and reach out to help them?
Posted 3 years ago by Judy Lam · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Crishan Veera · Reply