THE Malay political narrative needs to be revised as the the group has become complacent and accustomed to corrupt leaders, said the organiser of a roundtable conference taking place this week.

Mahdzir Ibrahim said a rethink is vital to restore moral values.

“We need to start a new narrative. We must make people aware that the value system needs to be returned so that the government can manage their lives more efficiently, cleanly, reliably and effectively,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Mahdzir said Malay values has deteriorated to their lowest when support for Malay leaders can be bought and sold “at a cheap price.” 

“The trust can be bought and sold with money and positions.

“This practice has become a culture and infiltrated the community and institutions, causing the Malays to lose resilience in various matters… economic, socio-cultural, educational, religious and intellectual,” he said.

Malays today accept the concept of “halal bribery”, which they consider to be returning a kindness or a favour, he said.

“Malays have a hard time distinguishing between doing favours and receiving or giving dirty money, let alone fighting graft. It is rooted in Malay culture. 

“Those who accept or give bribes are generally aware of this bad practice but they don’t care because they are used to this way of life,” he said.

Mahdzir admitted it is difficult to be rid of the culture of corruption.

“It’s more difficult than fighting terrorism and hypocrisy,” he added. 

He hopes to do this by revising the Malay political narrative while also addressing the issues of moral values and dignity.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the “Roundtable conference: Rebranding the Malay political narrative”, on Thursday, in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. 

The one-day event is organised by the Group of Malay Intellectuals and Personalities (Perkumpulan Intelektual dan Tokoh Melayu) in collaboration with Yayasan Sedar, which is patronised by Dr Mahathir.

The organiser has lined up a number of Malay figures and scholars to present their thoughts on Malay leadership, education, economics, and history. 

Among them are Prof Dr Ahmad Murad Merican (International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization), Prof Dr Hood Mohd Salleh and honorary Prof Dr Mansur Md Noor (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia), and Dr Hamidin Hamid (Universiti Malaya).

“These are thinkers for the people,” said Mahdzir. 

He denied having sidelined young thinkers and women because the event is only the first of a series of similar discourses.

“We will continue the discourse sessions more widely. We will involve more academic figures and scholars, new and young, who are interested in participating in this initiative. 

“We will do it in stages,” he said. 

Mahdzir said all of the speakers had volunteered to participate.

“We have invited many figures across fields and generations.” – July 26, 2022.