ENGLISH traders first arrived in Malay waters in the 17th century. In 1824, British hegemony in Malaya was formalised by the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, which divided the Malay Archipelago.

In 1944, the British drew up plans for a Malayan Union, which would unite the federated and unfederated Malay states (except for Singapore) into a single Crown colony, with a view towards independence. The Federation of Malaya, which it evolved into, became independent on August 31, 1957.

There are many ways Britain influenced Malaysian culture. Arguably its most important legacy is education. The first English school was built in 1816 in Penang. Britain remains a first-choice destination for Malaysian students. Approximately 60% of Malaysians speak English.

The laws of Malaysia are based on the common law legal system, a direct result of the colonisation.

The biggest difference between Britain and Malaysia is the gender of its rulers.

Presently, the biggest similarities are a chaotic parliament and political instability.

Britain has had three British prime ministers in seven weeks and Malaysia, three prime ministers in three years.

The general election is here and it will be a tough and divisive fight. The three main coalitions seem to be losing the plot and are in disarray.

One coalition is highly experienced in governing but tainted with sin. It is still bragging of its past glories and talking about religion and race.

Another coalition governed for 22 months and is unable to unite the opposition. Personal distrust and infighting for the office of prime minister brought the government to its knees. It is weak in the rural areas and lack communication skills. It failed to make many reforms mainly due to the resistance of conservative forces within the bureaucracy, as well as civil society and partisan opposition. 

The third coalition is finding it difficult to stand on its own and needs a robust and reliable partner.

Today, Britain has a first non-white prime minister, a Hindu man of Indian descent.

Can we dream of a British person of Malay descent becoming a prime minister of Britain or a Malaysian Indian prime minister of Malaysia in our lifetime? 

What say you? – October 27, 2022.

* 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.