The title of this post was taken from a letter dated 10th October, 2006 from one Dr Vanaja to Malaysiakini.
Amongst other things, she stated :
“By democratic right, all Malaysians born here are sons of the soil irrespective of which race they belong to. We should all be Malaysians, not bumiputeras and non-bumiputeras. Why should one race always be given crutches?
If we believe in God and basic human values, then we should help all those in need irrespective of race. We should be fighting corruption which has become the culture of the day. We should use meritocracy as the yardstick for progress.
As long as we are in denial, there will be no real progress. As we become more of a global village, many Indian and Chinese Malaysians will work even harder and will succeed here in Malaysia, if not elsewhere. The Malay Malaysians, if they still need their crutches, will surely be left behind.”
To this letter, one M Sahaja replied by letter dated 16th October, 2006, also in Malaysiakini. I quote the relevant excerpt :
“I am not surprised to see that the letters published by your paper on racial issues, vis-a-vis those that question Malay rights and the supposedly ‘bumiputera status’ of the non-Malays as claimed by Dr Vanaja and the others, are all written by the Chinese or Indians. I have yet to read a letter written by a Malay on the subject”.
I had replied to the letter of M Sahaja but for some reason, it was never published in Malaysiakini. I now reproduce it here.
My letter :
The letter from M Sahaja entitled ‘Non-Malays clouded by own insecurities’ vindicates that which I have said for the last 30 years : that the NEP would give birth to a monster called the modern Malay who shamelessly demands the continuance of an economic policy premised on a notion of priority of citizenship based on race. M Sahaja epitomises this.
Dr Vanaja has, in my view, correctly depicted that economic policy as being nothing short of an apartheid programme.
M Sahaja claims that he has yet to read a letter written by a Malay on this subject. Allow me therefore to oblige him.
I am of Malay-Sri Lankan parentage. In my days of ignorance, I have received a study loan from a government programme reserved for Malays. I have also previously partaken of the Amanah Saham Bumiputra scheme. To the best of my recollection, this is the extent to which I have benefitted from the NEP.
I have since ceased to partake in the Amanah Saham Bumiputra scheme. I am also presently repaying the study loan.
I now unreservedly apologise to Dr Vanaja and every Malaysian who has been marginalised by the NEP for the benefit I received therefrom. I dissociate with any notion that my citizenship has greater value than Dr Vanaja’s on account of my Malay ancestry.
Let me state unequivocally that I am firstly Malaysian. My Malay heritage in this regard bears no relevance whatsoever.
As one who firmly believes in the Holy Qur’an as the inerrant Word of God, I cannot pretend that there is no injustice in a policy that seeks to improve the impoverished lot of only one class of people based on racial considerations. Such a policy plainly offends a cardinal foundation of Islam, as I understand it, that all men are equal.
I am unable to divest myself of the benefit that I have taken from that policy. I can only atone for this wrong by working with like-minded Malaysians to urge our government to replace the present economic policy with one that is just and equitable to all Malaysians.
To M Sahaja, I pray that one day you too will begin to see the injustice that is being inflicted upon our fellow Malaysians who are also in need of governmental aid to better themselves, by reason only of a race they are born into by God’s Will. May God Guide you to that which is just.
The People's Parliament 
Dr. Suku Sinnappan
May 5, 2007
Hi,
How true are those words. They tell all about our ever ‘developing’ Malaiysia. I doubt if this country will ever be ‘developed’. If this nation will ever crawl out of this mindset of classifying citizens by race and religion. How silly – isn’t anyone really ‘educated’? Look around and learn – needless to say from where! The answers are obvious and far too clear and simple. Treat all the same – there could be only one race i.e. the Human race. Not bumiputras and non-bumiputras.
ta!
KakiAyam
May 5, 2007
Hi Harris,
It’s refreshing to say the least in reading your opinions on NEP. One needs to be of a strong character to walk away from the fish that is place right in front of you. Nevertheless, you are, but a minority among Malaysians.
As a chinese, I do not hate the Malays. In fact, Malays make better friends.
Come to think about it, should preference be given to the Chinese instead, I wonder if I have the will to turn away and say no to them.
I do have a question though, not of race, but of religion. There are many instances where so called knowledgeable Muslim tend to think that there are two sets of justice for Muslims and non muslims. I cannot point to any article, but I have read a lot on these and in my opinion, what is fair and justified to a layman like me may not represent the same from a Muslim point of view. This is especially true when one party is a non-muslim. In fact there are many verse from the Quran that states the exact injustice that can be perpetrated to a non-muslim. Some people call that as Tribal mentality.
If the above observation is true and indeed Islam is interpreted in such a way then this brings us back to the issue of NEP. As far as the NEP is concerned, the gov have not done any injustice to Malaysians, at least not among the brotherhood of Muslim. The gov has quota in Universities, but, they have not prevented the non-Muslims from getting an education. The bumi has 15% of discount, but the gov has not stopped the non-Muslim from buying a house. The gov has prevented the building of churches, which resulted in many shop house church, but they have not prevented people from freedom to choose their religion and freedom to worship.
So the present gov has something to fall back on, that the injustice commited to non-muslims (hence non-malays) are justified! So far we have yet to see a single imam (not to say mufti) speak out strongly on these issues.
Mr. Harris, pls do not be offended by my views. I do wish to be clarified on these.
Thanks and God bless.
kaki ayam
nntan
May 5, 2007
Every human person born under the Malaysian sun should be treated equally. I am glad that Malays can come forward to admit this injustice that has been long done to the people of Malaysia by an unjust racial policy that creates political advantages for himself by preying upon the weakness and ignorance of the Malays. How can they justify to Allah for what they have done to their fellow human beings..
Raja
May 6, 2007
Haris, you’re nothing more than a hypocrite. I once spoke to you about your fees. If you say what you say you are, explain why you charge someone RM25,000.00 for a five-page opinion on the law?
Kasturi
May 6, 2007
Haris probably doesn’t have enough malay in him to think straight to stake his claim for the last remaining rights, lands, history and soul of the malay race. I believe his sri lankan heritage got the better of him and weakend the little malay he had in him. Most malay mixed marriages often do, producing confused bloodlines that considers themselves non-malay rather than the other. Pity, but you are what you are.
In a country where the former colonisers blindly opened ‘our’ shores to indian labourers to work ‘our’ plantations and chinese workers to labour our tin mines, all this was done without a drop of consent from the owners of these lands. Do you really think the malays would sit by and give up everything that their forefathers had worked and died for to the new arrivals just like that. Who wants to be 2nd class like malays in singapore where you can’t even work for the military because the chinese don’t trust you despite the fact that the malays owned singapore 50 years ago before it was given up to immigrants. Lets get real.
The indians have india, the chinese china, and the malays malaysia. Makes sense doesn’t it? History has seen america be taken away from the red indians, fiji from fijians and Oz from abos. I think the malays rights is probably the most subtle step a modern malay govt could impose towards the preservance of a right, race and culture that is 5 centuries old.
abu ameerah
May 6, 2007
I’m not even Malaysian and I think this post is deeeeeeeep !
Libra
May 6, 2007
KakiAyam said,
“..that the injustice commited to non-muslims (hence non-malays) are justified! “.
This poster says he does not see any injustice in the NEP and then goes on to say that an injustice is justified. This is convoluted logic! What gobbledegook!
How on earth can discrimination be justified?
Competition breeds excellence. The NEP breeds complacency and mediocity. It can, in no way create Towering Malays, for the simple reason that that he starts the 100 meter race from the 50m mark.
In Malaysis, the NEP is not a Malay need but a political tool to keep UMNO in power. The NEP can never elicit the best from the Malay.
Umran
May 6, 2007
Kasturi…engkau ni Melayu Jati ke?
If you are, then can you explain what a pure Malay is? Before you even get started, let me save you the trouble – there ain’t no such thing.
1. Race is an artificial construct
Race merely reflects a classification based on different characteristics and culture, nothing more. At the level of DNA, we are all similar enough to be classified as the same species. Look up a documentary called “The Journey of Man” – it establishes that we all carry the same genetic marker (i.e. we are at the end of the day all of the same stock originating in Africa).
Did you know that it is widely believed by historians, archeologists and anthropologists that the earliest Malays, the Proto Malays migrated from *shock horror* China (Yunan to be exact)? Yup, the Proto Malays probably enjoyed the occasional char siu.
2. Culture is dynamic not static (i.e. it changes)
What’s that? I’m forgetting about the uniqueness of Malay culture and our Muslim faith?
Let’s not forget then that the Malays were first Hindus and Buddhists long before Islam came to our shores. Where do you think some aspects of ‘adat’ came from? How about Wayang Kulit? Looks like those ‘Indian labourers’ were teaching Malays a thing or two way back when.
Even Malay food has far flung foreign influences. Chilli? That’s from South America.
And our economy. Rubber? That’s from South America too.
The list is endless.
It follows that Malaysians are by deifnition ‘rojak’.
Makes sense doesn’t it? Nevermind, let me answer that for you. Yeah it does. So please take that attitude and with the greatest possible respect, kindly shove it up somewhere really snug, ok Sunshine?
…thanks for the welcome distraction…now back to reading my Land Law notes…
Angie
May 6, 2007
I disagree with the Malays having Malaysia, because that is not where they are originally from way back in the day. Only native Malaysians (eg Kadazan, Dusun, etc) are the real dinky di Malaysians when you think about it. But in the modern Malaysia, all of us regardless of what background we come from – whether we be Malay, Indian, Chinese, native Malaysians, Eurasians, etc – are Malaysians.
But I digress.
I do support that there should obviously be some help to those who are needy – any person who disagrees in helping those who need it should really take a long hard look at themselves.
But I don’t think that any kind of privileges should go to one particular ethnic group. It should just go to those who really go to those who really need it regardless of their ethnic and cultural background. That way it will stop the division and help those who actually need a helping hand.
I also have to agree with Umran here. Cultures are definetely dynamic – look at language, an integral part of culture. We have new words and jargon in every day language that weren’t there 100 years ago. If you explain what television is to someone 100 years ago, they would probably hunt you down for witch/wizard craft or something.
Food is also an important part of culture – did you know tapioca is native to South America – not Asia? Yet most of us enjoy tapioca around the world, whether it be in Bubble Tea or desserts.
I wouldn’t say that race is an artificial construct as such. I would say it is a real construct because it does show on our DNA levels. But hey, same thing almost. With the Malays coming from China thing, the famous Hang Tuah – the legendary Malay hero – was Chinese. But whether he’s Chinese, Malay or otherwise – but who cares. He’s Malaysian. And that’s what counts the most.
In the end, we’re all human beings and in reality all of us are related to each other (just several times removed). Even if you dislike someone you are still breathing in their air (scientifically speaking). Just stop the hate and make peace!
Haris Ibrahim
May 6, 2007
KakiAyam,
No offence taken.
You say there are Qur’anic verses that would justify an injustice perpetrated against a non-Muslim. I do not think so. Please give the verse reference.
You may wish to read a non-scholarly view that Islam enjoins equality at :
http://www.accin-badailies.org/'Islam-as%20I%20say-tion%20-%20The%20Slide%20Into%20Tyranny‘.htm
Raja,
RM25,000 for a five page opinion or RM50,000 for a 1-page legal opinion, how would either make me a hypocrite vis-a-vis my stated views in this post?
Make out your case and I will crawl into a hole and never emerge again.
Kasturi,
Even if you wish to defend and uphold the present system, let’s at least be honest about history.
Indian labourers to work ‘OUR’ plantations? Chinese workers to labour ‘OUR’ tin mines? Have you forgotten that the British chanced upon a feudal syatem in the Malay Archipelago where the Malays were largely landless, save for the rulers and the few Malay elite? Weren’t those plantations and mines British owned?
Without a drop of consent from the owners? Heard of the Treaty of Pangkor and the series of treaties that followed after?
Ever heard of the concept of an equity enuring to one who works to improve a land whilst the owner silently observes and therefore tacitly acquiesces?
The Indians in India have India, the Chinese in China have China, and the Malaysians in Malaysia have Malaysia.
Yes, I am what I am and you are what you are. Thank God my father fell in love with a Sri Lankan.
Farida
May 6, 2007
This is getting exciting, folks.
I want to share my experiences with you. I was once a teacher in a residential school where 99% of the students were Malays, all hand-picked because they were bright, if not brilliant.
Because of the NEP, some of my Malay students tended to take the easy way out. One day, when I urged my Form Six students to study hard to get the minimum three principals needed to get into varsity, some of them happily assured me, “No need, Teacher. For us, one principal and two subsids enough!” I walked away in dismay and didn’t bother to check out if what they had said was truly the case. Their attitude was what mattered and that had been bred by the NEP.
As a Malaysian, I have refused to buy into Amanah Saham on principle. But when a Chinese friend said I must surely have benefitted from it and I had replied I had not taken part in the scheme because I believed it hsould be open to all Malaysians, his reply was , “Why are you so stupid?”
For all of us, there is always a decision to be made in any situation we face: put principle before privilege or privilege before principle.
Which you choose tells on you.
titus2woman
May 6, 2007
As someone not familiar with the issues, I really enjoyed this post! As a Christian, I too not my head in agreement that “If we believe in God and basic human values, then we should help all those in need irrespective of race.” It makes me wanna learn more on the subject. ~smile~ (((((HUGS))))) sandi
KakiAyam
May 6, 2007
“…This poster says he does not see any injustice in the NEP and then goes on to say that an injustice is justified. This is convoluted logic! What gobbledegook!
How on earth can discrimination be justified?
Competition breeds excellence……” and bla bla bla….
Libra,
I have read my own post again and again, and wonder how on earth can you misunderstand what I have written…. The fact that no other commenter has written anything on it verified my point….
in case you still don’t get it…my point is that what is not justified from our point of view may be justified from another point of view….
the sense of justice may not be as straightforward as the law of gravity, that is what I found out. Different groups of people from different background has difference levels of justice.
I think you misunderstood me entirely….my apology…
Chinese Malaysian Pendatang
May 6, 2007
HarismIbrahim,
I picked up this blog entry via WordPress’s FRONTPAGE. I won’t say much here because there is no point DEBATING or even ARGUING about immature and non constructive comments such as:-
1) But the non bumi’s control the economy blah blah blah .. so there’s a reason for the NEP policy to be in tact.. blah blah blah ..
2) We arrived in Malaya first and hence the need to protect and priviledge the Sons Of the Soil blah blah blah ..
3) We should live in peace and harmony and be thankful that the non bumi’s were given the chance to prosper and live in Malaysia when they arrived many years ago blah blah blah ..
4) Look at how Singapore malays are marginalised blah blah blah …
5) If you don’t like it here you can move back to China, India blah blah blah ..
.. but all i can say is, Malaysia needs individuals such as yourself… if there were more Malays like you around, Malaysia would be a much better place to live in, would be a developed nation like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea etc and the racism and xenophobia would be majorly wiped out from the minds of Malaysian citizens. The NEP has already killed their own race.. how sad but true..
Is it too late? I’m afraid it is for me and many others who think alike… i have given up hope …. to stamp and wipe out rife corruption, racism and the ‘crutches’ syndrome, it would take at least 2 to 3 generations… i won’t be alive to see this change by then..
Oh yes, i am packing my bags with 3 other families, really sad to close down 3 family businesses with over 3,500 employees of ALL RACES which i truly admire, appreciate and respect, to move and seek greener pastures abroad by the end of this year … and will continue to weep for Malaysia ..
Libra
May 6, 2007
Kaki Ayam,
No, I did not misunderstand you. My comments were based on your cold hard words.
Friend, Justice is universal. It cannot be dispensed in half measures.
Other posters not commenting on your entry does not mean that your views are endorsed by them.
If you have twins and you give one of them mother’s milk and the other , goat’s milk, will you say this is juctice?
I think your answer is “Yes” based on the following:
“The gov has quota in Universities, but, they have not prevented the non-Muslims from getting an education.”
Any quota system based on race is injustice.
“The bumi has 15% of discount, but the gov has not stopped the non-Muslim from buying a house.”
A Maly millionaire buying the same house as I do at a 15% discount is blatant injustice. (Lest you are not aware, that 15% discount is paid for by the non Bumi buyers. Not the government, not the developer.)
” The gov has prevented the building of churches,..”
To prevent me from building my place of worship is injustice, gross injustice.
Coming bach to the twins. Now, can you justify your actions by saying that the second baby is not denied her nutrition since it has goat’s milk to drink.
Perhaps Haris can intervene.
Haris Ibrahim
May 6, 2007
KakiAyam,
I must confess that when I first read your comment, I was a bit confused with the part that Libra has taken issue with. However, I was more concerned to, and did, address the matters you raised in the earlier paragraph.
i have re-visited the para that Libra has touched on and, reading it in conjunction with the preceding one, I can now see that you were trying to make the point that perceptions of justice may differ between Muslims and non-Muslims. It did not register earlier.
Having said that, I have to agree with Libra that justice is indeed universal, particularly in the context of treating like as like. There can be no half measures.
Libra, an apology has been extended for the confusion.
Chinese Malaysian Pendatang
May 6, 2007
To follow up from my previous entry i sum up by saying that it’s NOT a racial problem, it is one that’s called the “NEP”.
MJ
May 6, 2007
M Sahaja has never read any published comments about this from the Malays? Perhaps he didn’t read them even when they were published! Or some media decide not to publish them?
If Bumiputera’s definition means the original settler, then it should be the Orang Asli. Not Malays.
We are all born here and we live here. Why should we have different standards and quota?
Michelle Anthony
April 29, 2013
Having left malaysia 25 years ago, I return each year only to find things have become worst for non bumis. Being an amateur writer, I came up with this one day, perhaps out of boredom, but more so because I am angry for being gently pushed out of the land of my birth by preferential govt policies.
THE UNDENIABLE TRUTH OF MALAYSIAN HISTORY
The first evidence of human in Malaysia dated back to 35000 B.C is the remains of a skull found in Gua Niah in Sarawak. This was possibly the remains of Negrito aborigines who were the earliest groups in the area. It is also a known fact that in 2500 B.C, migrants from China, called Proto-Malays, who were sailors and farmers, forced the Negritos into the hills and jungles, claiming the land for their own. With passing time and evolution, a new group was created, called the Deutero-Malays. They were a mixture of Indians, Chinese, Siamese, Arabs and Proto-Malays. Combined with the migrants from Palembang (Indonesia), the Deutero-Malays formed the group we now refer to as ‘Malays’. They refer to themselves as ‘bumiputera’, which roughly translates to ‘royalty of the land’. Hinduism and Buddhism were the only existing religions then, and Indian governmental structures and influence were predominantly used in the Malay peninsula. In 1400, a Hindu prince from Palembang, Parameswara, founded Melaka, making it the most important trading ground in South East Asia. Traders came into Melaka, bringing with them goods and Islam. From there and then only did Islam come to be a major religion of Malaysia, and with Western colonisation, disharmony and discrimination began to set in.
So, what’s with the indignant cries of Malaysia being ‘Tanah Melayu’? Why should Indians and Chinese be grateful to the Malays for their rights of citizenship? It is evident from historical facts that all residing races in Malaysia were immigrants. The only difference is that they came in different boats, at different times. Face the facts bumiputera, you have a bit of ‘Wong’, ‘Chong’ and ‘Muniandy’ in you. Your ancestors were Hindu and Buddhist. Malaysia was built on the backbone of immigrants, the same with many other nations. On the subject of ‘Parameswara’, he was a Hindu prince, and not a Malay prince, as suggested in the new revised version of Malaysian history. I have yet to see any of you ‘bumiputera’ name your sons ‘Parameswara’, seeing that it is a strong Malay name. Wake up to reality. Malaysia belongs equally to all its citizens. The urban Malays have had much handed to them on a plate, though there are many Malays in rural areas like Terengganu and Kelantan who live in meagre surroundings and poverty. During my travels, I have had the opportunity to talk to some of these poor Malays. They don’t claim to be ‘hard done by’. They don’t demand special privileges. The disharmony between the races has been created by corrupt leaders in politics who use the ‘divide and conquer’ theory. These are men who serve themselves and not their people.
Malays, stop crying foul. Stop trying to force your beliefs on others. Stop implementing rules and regulations that belong in the Stone Age. You condemn western society and yet listen to their music, use their cosmetics and attempt to speak their language. You condemn Indians and Chinese, and yet eat their food and get special privileges that are funded by the tax they pay. I am glad that many of the young, educated Malays are starting to integrate into society and accept the diversity of Malaysia. For all you Malays who are still fighting for ‘Tanah Melayu’ and exclusive rights to the ‘easy’ life, grow a backbone and discover that there is a bigger world out there. Stop hiding behind your race and religion. You are like ‘kacang lupakan kulit’. Part of you is Indian, part of you is Chinese, and no matter how hard you scrub in the shower, you cannot get rid of us.
chicken feet
May 7, 2007
Libra,
I agree with you entirely on all the points you raised, …By the way, I was just thinking aloud, as such, “endorsement of my comment” are totally out of the picture…
I would like to think that we are having a discussion, not an argument on who’s right or otherwise…
Harris,
I should have provided the necessary links to articles to further inform you of my confusion of different levels (or grades) of justice from a Muslim point of view. The fact is, I am not able to at this moment. Until I do so, we should agree to the fact that Muslims and non-Muslims alike subscribe to the same universal values of justice…
Good day everyone…
johnleemk
May 7, 2007
I think the problem basically is one of a warped interpretation of the Constitution. The reason we have Article 153 and the NEP is not because the Malays or Bumis have a greater right to Malaysia than other Malaysians – it is to ensure that their interests as Malaysians are secured and protected, and to prevent them from being marginalised as in Singapore.
However, preventing Malay marginalisation does not mean marginalisation of the non-Malays. That is where our reading of Article 153 and the NEP has gone horribly wrong – only yesterday I read in the papers that two major banks now refuse to do business with any law firm unless the majority partner is a Bumi. This tokenism and blatant apartheid was not the purpose and point of our Constitution:
http://www.infernalramblings.com/articles/Malaysian_Government/71/
Libra
May 7, 2007
Yes, yes. Intellectual discussion. No arguments intended. Cheers. God Bless you.
hawaiichee
May 8, 2007
We need to change Malaysia and the social structures that are not relevant for Malaysia anymore. We must voice our dissent. We must go against a corrupt government, a fanatic religious social structure and not accept crime rates and NEP. We must demand these changes and the power is with the people.
In the past, we have witnessed the abolishment of slavery, the collapse of Communism and the Berlin Wall torn down. We can change Malaysia as we have the power. Voice our Dissent. Do not accept CRAP.
Should we sweep it under the carpet? We should not. But we should certainly continue to bring awareness in a diplomatic way to ensure Malaysia will not be swept under the carpet in the delusions that we are doing fine until 2020 and realise that other countries have gone past us. Do you know that India too has a Vision 2020?
Look at India. It has a population of 81% Hindu and 13% Muslim. (https://www.cia.gov/cia/pub…)
Yet, it has Muslim Presidents demonstrating that even when it has a majority of a certain religion it promotes meritocracy (three/four so far including the current one – DR. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM.)
“Dr. Kalam became the 11th President of India on 25th July 2002. His focus is on transforming India into a developed nation by 2020.”
http://presidentofindia.nic…
India has a vision 2020 too. With India having even greater problems of poverty than Malaysia, which do you think will succeed better to reach its vision?
India’s Presidents demonstrate high accomplishments through success in secular careers, high academic achievements and publications. Dr Kalam is constantly glad to be the role model being the India Boleh person himself by achieving India Book of Records stunts and doing lots of great achievements constantly. I am sure we have similar individuals in Malaysia.
But why do we not have the same achievements? Because we know it is pointless to demonstrate our achievements in Malaysia where mediocrity is celebrated. The unthinking is proudly the status quo. Elegant silence is much the safer way to go.
Which do you think have better chances to achieve Vision 2020?
A country with meritocracy system to motivate its citizens?
A country with separation of religion from the state?
A country with a well achieved Prime Minister selected from the best of the crop regardless of race and religion?
Or a country which continues to help certain races who seem to be the sole Bumiputeras while the Orang Asli loses their status? And this NEP is by name but only increases the pockets of a selected few and not the whole impoverished community.
Let us think logically on which would be better environments for growth for Malaysia. You be the judge. 2020 will be the measurement for us to know who is right. Let us hope Malaysia will at least not become more backward than now. I suspect that the past 3 years since Badawi’s reign has seen increasing instability because Malaysians have grown mature to question through blogs and even through the news media and of course we do not publish them all but still better than 3 years ago. This has merits and demerits. The possibilities are we are pushing the country to face its options. The whole world is going this direction through globalisation and the growth of the Internet. But, underlying conservative mindset of the grassroots who would rather die for akhirat then live victoriously will be the stacks. Though, crisis is part of building a new state of existence.
If India can do it, why can’t we? Because we have a low self esteem? Let us think about it.
I look forward to the day, when the Prime Minister of Malaysia encourages full religious freedom and reminds everyone of the multiracial country and that all religions and race are equal in Malaysia. The Prime Minister would echo the words of Abraham Lincoln –
“…Let us discard all this quibbling about this man
and the other man–this race and that race and the
other race being inferior, and therefore they must be
placed in an inferior position…Let us discard all
these things, and unite as one people throughout this
land, until we shall once more stand up declaring that
all men are created equal.”
— Abraham Lincoln
In America, there was an Afro-American with the name of Rosa Parks. On December 1, 1955, Parks was sitting on a bus in the front row of the section reserved for blacks. But when a white man got on, there were no more seats in the white section, so the bus driver told Parks to move back.
But Parks was convinced that to do so would be wrong–and she refused to get up. “Since I have always been a strong believer in God,” she says, “I knew that He was with me, and only He could get me through that next step.” Her courage later freed discrimination towards Afro-Americans in America decades later.
We as Malaysians need to have courage to stand up for what we believe in and not just live a passive life sheltered by the government, by governments Acts, by threats of ISA. We need to free ourselves from these chains that make our lives not worth living. If we do not believe in something, first discuss our disbelief with others and if after hearing from others, we can make a better decision.
hawaiichee
May 8, 2007
We can not dismiss the fact that:
1. Malaysia is soon to be 50 years old. If we are not united and stable, we do not have good values. Money and material wealth should not unite us.
(You do not dangle a carrot in front of a believer to go to a mosque, temple, kuil or church. These have to be values inculcated. And if we have faith that we have developed some of these values, taking the risk to see if we have developed them, is worthwhile. At first, you will reward your 4 year old child with a keropok if he goes to agama class or if he does his colouring. But you do not reward this child anymore if he is 14 years old or 40 years old. He should develop his own motivation to work hard. Don’t you agree?)
2. If we are so concerned about the Bumiputera interest, we should be giving quotas for the natives in Semenanjung to be more prominent. If we discriminate even within the bumiputera, we are just putting up a show.
(Let us be honest. Power corrupts. Greed infiltrates in ever so craftily. Even if the Malays are good religious people, the NEP has done more harm than good. It has spoiled the Malays. And it is being used politically. There is no good that can arrive from spoiling your child given the example in 1 above. These affirmative policies should not be so obvious. It should lie in the background as scholarships and training opportunities, not as largely written words on all prominent billboards KETUANAN MELAYU. Such kills morale and unity. Such kills human values such as hard work, generosity and creativity. When you know that you are king, you do whatever you please instead of doing what it takes to improve. Sad truth but we have to wake up and not let this happen as the country is moving towards this direction.)
3. There is no end to taking. Be rational instead. The free economy is a better distribution mechanism.
(When you give 30%, someone wants 31% and another wants 50% and still another 99%. There is no end. It only discourages industry and dilligence. Many Malays have criticised the NEP for bringing down the Malay race including our previous Prime Minister. If we think about it rationally, he is true. You only reward a kid at the beginning, not as a long term measure every single time. You should teach the kids equal play else they will never learn but be spoiled forever. The worst thing is that globalisation is beginning to be a hard reality just sitting at our doorstep.)
4. NEP priviledges the rich and not the poor. 30% for 20 years was to give a foundation to start with. Not a platform for certain races to outsmart the System and rule the country.
(The country was meant to be multiracial. If it were not already so, why was the social contract made? Why not just make it clear that Malaysia only belongs to the Malays right at the beginning. It does not make sense. As long as Bahasa Melayu (Bahasa Malaysia as it is more integrated now with Malaysian culture) and other Malay culture are maintained, Malaysia has met its aims. As in all other affirmative actions, if the race is sidelined in poverty, the language and culture may disappear. Hence, it is good to have affirmative action at the background and even give an impetus for the first 20 years to give them a firm footing. But not, let them outsmart the system and be spoiled kids and ruin the country. And the effects, a system for show as the poor are still underfed.)
5. Stability is important but it is through the will of the people. Not an excuse or a threat for more greed and power. This was never meant to be at the beginning.
(We have witnessed that the citizens are sane when the fuel subsidy was removed. Similarly, in the wake of globalisation and the knowledge that NEP has a flawed methodology and has done no good, Malaysians can be reasonable to decide on abolishing NEP and not go to the streets and kill. We can not afford this anymore. The world use to move less speedily and we can afford to make mistakes. But now, we are at the mercy of other fast growing economies who will buy up our land if we have no choice but seek their mercy. Why do we want to stoop so low for greed and power?)
6. Universalism is to stay as Allah S.W.T. did not just create us but the whole universe. Please do not focus on just us and have a myopic view of the world – or simply put – don’t be selfish.
(It is sad that we do not see the rest of the world growing and sometimes just think we can be fine. Also, it is sad that we think we deserve the whole world but we should work hard for it. We should strive for equal play and values of fairness, equal opportunities and freedom. While these ideal values may not be achieved fully, we should slowly discard selfishness and slowly move towards these values. What is wrong with universalism?
I have no problems for the 30% in the first 20 years. I have a problem with the 30% now because
1. This methodology to calculate 30% is flawed. It will never end.
(We will never be objectively able to ascertain if 30% has been reached. In fact, everytime 30% is achieved, it will be reduced by share sales to buy properties overseas or to turn Bumi companies to GLC (Government Linked Companies).
2. According to ASLI, it has been achieved already and is now 45%. Who knows?
3. It is now more than 20 years – it does not make sense that it has not been reached.
(The leaders agreed for 20 years and that time, the race and opposition composition who made this decision was fair. But now, Barisan Nasional has 92% mandate and they want all party members to toe the line and the Members of Parliment should not object any party decisions. So, is this fair anymore? Are we well represented?)
4. 30% does no good to the poor. It does not eradicate poverty.
On the special position of the Bumiputera.
The special position is enshrined in the Constitution. That is without any doubt. The constitution did not say Malay but said Bumiputera. So the Malay Archipelago does not have natives who are just Malays – though increasingly we see the other natives being discriminated and not having the same special position as the Malays. Why?
But, NEP is not enshired in the Constitution. The 30% equity ownership and housing discount is not part of the Constitution. Why do we need to give discounts for houses valued at RM500,000 and above for the Bumiputera? Even Bumiputera are now voicing concerns about NEP. I can give you a list of them. So, is there not something wrong with NEP?
The reason the Constitution contained the special position of the Bumiputera is to ensure that their culture is maintained, the use of Bahasa Malaysia, and the symbolism of Islam as the ceremonial religion of the country. But, the REID commission has in mind to inculcate a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious country. So, while we should not forget the special position of the Malays and the Malay culture and language, we should not also forget that Malaysia is a multicultural country. It is not a country where Islam governs the country or the Malays govern the country. It is a country where all races co-exist and work together.
Now, the Malays occupy 60% of Malaysia plus another 10% of the Bumiputera. Does it mean that if the minorities of Chinese and Indian are less, they have less say in the country. Is this an Islamic value? Does it mean that they have less priviledges if there are less in the country? Of course not. A country that is successful is governed justly and if we allow inefficiencies such as NEP to take root, we will lose out. In the wake of globalisation, we face a greater challenge to question NEP.
hawaiichee
May 8, 2007
Let me address your concerns that we are not sensitive to the needs of the Malaysian community as a whole and speak with the interest of our represented races at mind. You are putting caution that we should not be demanding out of the air but must carefully thread and think of a win win situation for all races and Malaysia as a whole before we bring up suggestions. On the need for peace and harmony, that maybe this may be threatened if certain demands are made, though I countlessly pointed out of the need to change in the wake of globalisation outweighs other needs. If we can ween ourselves out of petrol fuel subsidies without creating a riot that will harm the peace and harmony of the nation, the Malays (and bumiputera) can also ween itself out of an Unconstitional NEP that does not benefit them. So, I made the point that we will still have peace and harmony as we can not afford to lose it, because we will continue to be disadvantaged and lose our jobs if we wage war with one another while other countries continue to progress.
1. Malaysia agreed on a social contract on 31 August 1957. The social contract called our Constitution has provisions for the special position of the Bumiputera, the special recognition of the sultans, special priviledges to help the Bumiputera through scholarship and training.
2. The other races further agreed to allow the setting up of certain bodies such as MARA and FELDA to assist the Bumiputera in business and industry. There are many other bodies that I did not list.
3. On 13 May 1969, due to racial statements made by certain politicians (actually it is a wonder why the politicians are Malays themselves – which shows that the recent statement made by Khairy is very dangerous and should be harshly rebuked), riots happened.
4. To make peace, the whole Malaysia agreed to NEP that should be reviewed again after 20 years elapsed.
5. While the measurement of 30% was not objective enough and is prone for misuse, the other communities relented and the whole country worked hard together. The other races subsidised the Malay race (not the other Bumiputera since it was not them who demanded for special treatment).
6. After 1990, NEP was continued even when many intelectuals argued that 30% and the methodology to calculate that is prone to misuse and is subjective. But the voices to issue a debate were not loud as the other races were still sympathetic of the Malay cause since it is not too long after 20 years have elapsed. Also, there was a draconian Prime Minister ruling with an iron fist and the ISA as the tool.
7. NEP continue to shows its bad effects with Malaysia declining in competencies. Also, more corruption is rampant as certain races found out how to misuse NEP through government projects and selling their shares when the 30% is nearing. Also certain successful Bumiputera companies were made GLCs by finding an excuse that they represented government interest.
8. With globalisation and the need to reduce cost and reduce subsidy, more studies are being done on the relevance of NEP. Such studies were conducted by ASLI though ASLI did many other researches for the improvement of Malaysia.
Now, assume I am a non Bumiputera businessman who wants government projects. There is a requirement for me to have a Bumiputera partner and it does not matter if the Bumiputera just sits in the board without doing anything. Is this good use of resources?
The businessman would rather spend that money to fund Bumiputera training so that a capable Bumiputera can sit in the board of his company. I would say that businessman who are earnest to see Malaysia grow will even be willing to double that amount for funding to ensure a good crop of Bumiputera instead of having them sit in the board and do nothing.
Now, let us review the position of the Bumiputera. Would he rather sit in the board and do nothing or be well equipped to do the task. I am not sure of the true answer. I will hope it is the former.
Hence, does not my argument stay true to ask for the abolishing of the NEP? It is both subjective and prone for misuse as well as out of date.
Instead, more efforts should be made to eradicate poverty regardless of races as well as ensure scholarships, trainings and bodies are well equipped to assist the Bumiputera.
Where are we heading? Are we well equipped to achieve Vision 2020? That should be our concern as we discuss this topic. What can we do to ensure Malaysia meets the right requirements to achieve Vision 2020? Train more Bumiputera? Yes! Give them scholarships to ensure they are well trained? Yes! Hire them in top positions of varsities even when they are not capable? No!!! Give rich bumiputera discount on housing? No!!! Have a subjective 30% equite representation? No!!!
hawaiichee
May 8, 2007
On the NEP and the special position of the Bumiputera …
Please read the following blog by a famous and intelligent lawyer about the special position of the Malay and bumiputera as mentioned in Article 153.
http://www.malikimtiaz.blog…
“I say this to lay foundation for the question of whether the Federal Constitution does provide for a privileged existence in the manner suggested at the general assembly.
The constitutional provision pivotal to any discussion of this subject is article 153. It refers to the ‘special position’ of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak and declares that it is the responsibility of the Yang Dipertuan Agong to safeguard these communities and the legitimate interests of other communities. It does not describe this ‘special position’ as a privileged status.
The founders of the nation did not at any point in time contemplate the creation of a two-tiered society such as some of some might have us believe. They contemplated the possibility that due to historical factors there might be a need to introduce certain measures so as not to allow for the dislocation or marginalizing of certain communities. This was not intended to translate into a promotion of particular communities to the detriment of others.
For this reason, article 153 recognises the legitimate interests of other communities. Further, it provides the means to ensure an adequate balance in the way protection measures are deployed. It is in this light that provision is made for reservation of positions in the public service and of scholarships, exhibitions and other similar educational or training privileges or special facilities given or accorded by the Federal Government and permits and licences where such are required under federal law. This balance is guaranteed further by the express declaration that the provision is not aimed at empowering the restriction of business or trade solely for the purpose of the protective measures. In short, there is no basis for wholesale reservations or quotas.
Put another way, despite suggestions to the contrary the Federal Constitution does not lend itself to any notions of a privileged existence for any community. It does however envisage a protected status for the Malays and the indigenous which allows for selective measures to be taken fairly and reasonably to a particular end. Any policy of the Federal Government aimed at achieving this end, whether the National Economic Policy, the New Development Policy or otherwise, cannot be seen as vesting greater rights than those contemplated under Article 153. Any other reading would allow for the kinds of abuses that are apparent.
The analysis offered above is not a difficult one. Article 153 is clear. It lends itself to affirmative action where such action is needed. Political expediency has resulted in the provision being mischaracterized and used to particular ends. This in itself is not surprising as politicians will operate as politicians do. What is of interest to me is how and why the characterization has been permitted by Malaysian society to perpetuate to the extent that as we come into our 50th year as an independent nation, the ‘two-tier’ notion has become so entrenched in our social landscape. And why is it that even as the notion continues to divide us, we insist on describing what happens in the country as being a part of a democratic process?
One of the principal reasons for this sad state of affairs is the nurturing of a climate of fear. Laws that allow for preventive detention without trial like the Internal Security Act, that stifle free expression such as the Sedition Act and the Printing Presses and Publications Act and which impede necessary access to vital information such as the Official Secrets Act have kept many Malaysians in the dark and in fear. If they have not been directly threatened or attacked, these laws have allowed the unscrupulous to demonize concerned Malaysians as being anti-Malay or anti-constitutional. They have allowed for the perversion of the social contract theory.
Additionally, a conservative Judiciary which has shied away from developing a strong civil rights tradition in our legal system has perhaps unwittingly allowed for the concomitant undermining of the rule of law. This has weakened our sense of right and wrong.
In this way, policy stereotypes have been permitted to develop and in effect become the law. Our claims to social integration are a hollow boast. Harmony cannot be found at the bottom of the gun barrel that supremacist Malay thinking is pointing at all others including non-extremist Malays.
If UMNO is serious about making amends for what transpired at the general assembly, let us hear then from its leaders of a plan by which the Federal Government intends to take us back to the spirit of protection and the dismantling of the ‘privilege’ mindset. Let us hear an admission of how the climate of fear has led to the development of racist tendencies that no amount of platitudes will help us deal with.
Until then, Malaysians should be forgiven for thinking that they have arrived at the beginning of the end.”
I encourage all blogers to read the article I posted above. Go to the website as well.
I support the Constitution of the special position of the Malay, the role of the Sultan, the preservation of the Malay language and culture. I am glad of the identity of Malaysia so far being rich in culture and having the Bahasa Malaysia language and an official religion of Islam. This are all symbols to celebrate the rich diversity we have. Also it is meant to ensure the Malay culture does not go extinct. This is important as in other countries, the red indians or the Hawaiians fear the loss of their culture, and affirmative action is in place to safe guard against that.
So the special position of the Malays in getting training and in giving them aid when they need it is praise worthy. But, what is to be scorned at:
1. Bumiputera getting housing discount of houses above RM300,000.
2. Bumiputera getting contracts when they are not capable to do it.
3. Chancellors of Universities being elected even when they are not capable.
4. Professors who are not Bumiputera do not get recognized encouraging brain drain in Malaysia and the status of Malaysian universities dropping drastically to a pathetic state losing to all Asian countries.
5. Corruption in the UMNO politicians.
6. Corruption in the Badawi family.
And we can change all this simply by abolishing NEP, OSA and ISA and increase transparency. Already bloggers are being made aware of the many information disseminated.
If one day bloggers are banned, we should voice out and we should turn the nation around.
Malaysia is suffocating with too many Sedition Acts, ISA, lack of public forums, increasing instability of the status of religion and the state and crippling quota systems that bring the country to an unthinking, free riding but pathetic state.
It is sad that Malaysia will never be as progressive as other countries because of the mindsets and mentalities we hold on to.
Michael Chick
May 9, 2007
If the “Malays” in Singapore are marginalized, then why are the “Malay” Singaporeans still doing much better than the Malaysian “Malays”? Having spent a considerable amount of time in Singapore recently, I noticed no “Malay” security guards unlike here. The “Malays” in Singapore in fact hold good paying jobs. Their benefits? They pay next to nothing in school fees. And that’s about it! What are the rest of Singaporeans paying for school fees? S$9
So why then are Singaporean “Malays” doing so much better economically and socially in Singapore? Mention the word “Singapore” to any Malaysian Government official, and he/ she will almost SPIT at you! I kid you not!
Let’s do a little observation here… Why are (about) 80% of all “Malay” undergraduates female? And why are (about) 50% from Kelantan? Yet, when they return, they are usually not given jobs, or told to stay at home to be housewives? Where do they go? To Singapore!!!
That’s why Singaporeans tend to get the BEST from South East Asia!
And who are left in Malaysia? The ones who “think” they can make it based on Government Handouts!
Malaysia Boleh!
I’ve travelled the ENTIRE country visiting and filming over 1,300 locations from the tip of Perlis to the Kukup mangrove swamps in Johor, and from Sematan most western tip of Sarawak till the Jungles in Semporna. Climbed Kinabalu, dived 70ft below Sipadan. Stopped over at many longhouses along the Rejang River, lived with the Orang Asli’s for more than 2 months in the jungle. Attended every festival, met many village headmen, craftsmen, stayed with the Kelabits (with the long ears) in Bario, and traversed pretty much every corner of Malaysia for the past 2 and a half years.
Point being? There is NO RACISM outside the cities! The “RACE ISSUE” simply does not exist in the REAL MALAYSIA!!! It is a figment of the Politician’s mind created to “Divide and Conquer” just like what the British did to maintain its “Colonial Masters” status. Who is in power now? You think they are not doing the same?
I filmed “Discover Malaysia” and had to do massive amounts of research and historical digging. The results were very frightening. I am now filming “Discover Singapore” And it’s definitely NOT ABOUT ORCHARD ROAD OR SENTOSA ISLAND!!!! Wait till you watch the part about the “Malay Pirates of the Johor Riau Islands” part…. J
The amount of lies which we have been told. The creative “editing” done by our Government is SHOCKING!!! They feel that we are not ready for the “truth”, and therefore invented their own to stay in total command.
This sadly sound like Constantine who manipulated the “Bible” to maintain political power. I SAY THIS…. Religion and Politics should NOT MIX!! How do we spell the C-R-U-S-A-D-E-S? Do you know how many people died during that time?
Playing the racial card in Malaysia will be detrimental! And let’s not even get started about MAY13. IT WAS NOT A RACIAL ISSUE. Yes, you read that one right.
Let me re-iterate. MAY 13 was NOT a racial issue. Ask anyone in the Royal Malaysian Police force who were at Kampong Bharu on that day. Why were they asked to point their guns at the Royal Malay Regiment? Let me tell you. Because the Royal Malay Regiment was almost ready to shoot at unarmed Malaysian citizens. Those citizens happened to be Chinese. And in the next instant it became labeled as a “Racial War”.
Has anyone read “The Malay Delima”? This book should be REQUIRED reading for ALL foreigners before allowed to step into Malaysia. Tun put it so well in his descriptions of the Malays. Wait! before you invest money in Malaysia, please read “The Malay Delima” by Tun Mahatir Mohammad.
All embassies should carry a copy and make it mandatory reading for all expatriates, ambassadors, and all support staff.
Why did I bring this book up? because it states that “…. May 13 was a sad case of a few Malays who ran amok…”
Wanna hear another one? Take the great “founder” of Modern Malaysia. The “Legendary” Parameswara. Who was he? Our “his-story” textbooks tell us that he was a Prince from Palembang who founded the great Malacca Empire. Apparently a small mousedeer kicked his dog’s ass so hard that he said that this was a good place to start a Kingdom.
Number ONE) I’ve got very bad news for you. A prominent Professor is about to publish a 600+ page TEXTBOOK, which in a nutshell summarizes that
“MALACCA was INSIGNIFICANT”
I’ve already read it. The facts clearly point in that direction. (E-mail me, and I will get you autographed copies of it when the book goes to print.)
Number TWO) Don’t’ you think the tiny ass-kicking mousedeer part is a bit far fetched? Mind you, this is in YOUR CHILDRENS” TEXTBOOKS!!!! Do you want them to be fed that kind of CRAP?
Number THREE) Here’s the REAL Story. Parameswara was the Prince of the Majapahit Empire. There was a Death Warrant on his head decreed by HIS OWN FATHER for wanting to usurp the Throne. He ran. He ran to Singapore. After a week, he KILLED THE SINGAPORE chieftain. (Its beautifully played out in a multimedia presentation in The History Museum of Singapore. I think I was the only one who was clapping when I saw this) (even the Pasir Salak, Perak Museum shows this) Since Singapore was under Thai rule at that point, The Siamese King issued Parameswara’s second Death Warrant. He ran to a place called “Biawak Busuk” at the mouth of the Muar River. As the Siamese were catching up with him, he ran away again to Malacca. By then, since his only source of income was Piracy by his Bugis followers, who plied the Straits of Malacca, the Achenese issued Parameswara’s THIRD Death Warrant for Piracy of their ships.
A runaway Hindu Prince called Parameswara with 3 death warrants on his head. That’s the founder of Modern Malaysia. Now why weren’t we told of this? Coz it’s embarrassing! That’s why! What else has been hidden? I’m merely scratching the surface!
I was researching for any trace of the “great Malaccan Empire” and sad to say, I did not find one shred of evidence at all! To visit “Historic Malacca” you see the Portugese Fort, and the Red Dutch buildings. You also see a “re-creation” of a big building they call the Palace. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong… I couldn’t even find a single “Great Malacca Empire Coin” All the antique stores sell are Ming, Ching, Tang Dynasty coins. Yes, they also have the Portugese, VOC (Dutch) and British coins. Some shops even sell the Kelantan “pitis” money-tree coins. But where are the “Great Malacca Empire Coins”?
Anyone have a spare “Great Malaccan Empire” coin for me? Don’t confuse Malacca coins with the Bugis coins. They are not the same!
shanghaistephen
May 11, 2007
Bro,
Interesting read…and am surprised at such an intellectual mixture of opinions…but let me tell you all…God made monkeys first …who then ‘aped’ and evolved into man and forever refused to be called monkeys…..convieniently forgot what he actually was …..a monkey ! Darwin was right somewhere along the way…heh..heh…lighten-up bro !
But the truth shall prevail… go Haris …go !You have been man enough to admit, see, know and speak about the truth !
Cheers !
Michael Chick
May 12, 2007
While you are on the subject of “creation” there is a documentary NOT to be aired in Asia by The Discovery Channel, for fear of mass suicide and unrest. It’s called “The Lost Tomb of Jesus”. Produced by James Cameron. The guy who brought you Titanic and The Terminator Trilogy, amongst other documentaries, like “The Bismark”, and “Raising the Titanic”.
In a nutshell, it shows evidence that Jesus had siblings, married Mary Magdeline, had a child names Judas (not to be confused with Judas the Betrayer). More importantly, it confirms that there was a tomb with the inscription “Yeshua Bar Yosef”. Transalated from Hebrew, it reads “Jesus, son of Joseph”. Finding the Tomb of Jesus implicates that his ressurection was either falsified or innacurately recorded. Using DNA testing amongst other things to come to a conclusion 29,999:1 is correct. Yes. read as twenty nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety nine to 1 accurate. This is “hot” material.
While on the same note, there are 2 other Documentaries, and their titles sound similar… 1) The Secret Family of Jesus, 2) The Real Family of Jesus; which discusses that Mary could not be a Virgin (Jesus’ mother) and that she was Joseph’s second wife.. (at least. could be more, but couldn’t be confirmed)
Remember I talked about Constantine, and the manupilation of the Bible for Political reasons?
Watch the 3 documentaries, and make your own judgement call. The Da Vincci Code was tame compared to these…
I still say Politics and Religion SHOULD NOT MIX!
BTW. Darwin’s theory is flawed. You should know that by now. According to his theory of evolution, animals progressed from one form to another gradually over time. Hence the theory of evolution. That being the case, you should find an infinite number of variants between each distinct species in fossils. For example, a dinosaur becoming a bird (one of Darwin’s examples) These evidence do not exist. There is no trace of any in-between “dino-bird” fossils at all to back this claim. Don’t however misunderstand that animals (people included) do not evolve. They do. With the change of diets from pure fish to meat, the ultra short Japanese in 1942 were about 5’4″ have children almost 5’10” tall today. Just a simple diet change from fish to real meat. But not on the scale suggested by Charles Darwin.
mae
May 18, 2007
‘Democratic right’ ? whose right is this ?