The aftermath of NEP
Malay, as defined under Article 153 of Federal Constitution is a person professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language and conforms to Malay custom. These are three features which generally projects who is Malay.
Being Malay or bumiputera (which is not defined under Federal Constitution) is special in the sense that, there is a “protectionist policy” which commonly known as affirmative action. Generally there is high degree of misunderstandings on this positive discrimination among societies. Talking about affirmative action, it has something to do with UiTM and I am glad as there are several people who care to share their views on the previous post on this blog- “My say on UiTM”. Healthy discussions should be norms in this country instead of spending too much on politicking. After all, letting political masters to decide for people is the biggest mistake which Malaysians have been done. We vote, we take the lead and we decide.
Come back to my point, some people perceived Malay as a group of people which usually tainted with futility, sluggish, playful and possess a never-ending malady of inability to focus as well as too dependant on government. Basically this is something which Tan Sri Khalid said on tv regarding the PKNS’s conflict.
Of course, being Malay I am quite upset which such statement for a simple reason that, the bad features which I mentioned above impliedly commensurate with a predominant race in this country – the Malays. Such generalisation is hurtful and I believe not all Malays are like that. Yes, for Tan Sri Khalids’ supporters, I am aware he made such statement in the light of maladministration for many years in PKNS. We are too complacent with the surroundings – Malay surroundings. We are hesitating to open the door to non Malays. We are afraid of the shadows in the darkness, full of uncertainties and indistinct. The question is, after the establishment of NEP, is this the outcome which we expect from Malaysians?
Two distinct schools of thoughts may explain the answers. First, this state, a sovereign state of Federation of Malaysia is a state which has a long line of history and the fact that Malays are indigenous people cannot be disregarded. Hence, Malays ought to be master and shielded with many privileges. These privileges in return should not be challenged as it should be regarded as token of appreciation from non Malays towards the Malays for accepting them as citizens. In simple words, challenging the privileges equals to challenge non Malays citizenship. Due to this so called social contract, Malaysians are living happily under one roof despite races and origins of the people. However, does this privilege benefit the Malays? Why social disparities are so glaring in terms of economy and social? Who to be blamed? To make simple assertion that Malays are born with bad habits is a total nonsensical. Dr.Mahathir used to say even for so many years as PM, yet he failed to change the attitude of Malays. This statement may be used by certain people who cherished by idea of bad breed will never create good fruit. What is the extent of the truth behind this statement is left undecided. Nevertheless, this topic is deemed as sensitive and I believe majority of Malaysians are not ready to have public discourse on this matter. For the sake of knowledge, it should be debated prudently.
Secondly, is taking an approach in the view of Human Rights Law. Human Rights identify affirmative action and seen as assistance towards certain groups and this should be regarded as temporary in nature. The aim of this action is to speed up development of such groups through supplementing them with special assistance as they are lagging in terms of meeting minimum standards for human needs. Reid Commission recognised that there is a need to review this privilege after 15 years of its implementation. After that, it is up to our political masters to decide on it. So far until now, it has never been revoked. The trajectory of NEP is claimed to move towards the betterment for Malays. True enough? Let’s look at reality and be realistic. There are various calls to abolish this action. Could abolishing it resolve the matter? The tool is good, but then, the vehicle which acts as to implement it is tainted with many appalling elements. In my view, two steps to be taken- have a thorough reform of this vehicle which necessitate a high degree of political wills and review the viability of Malays and Bumiputera should these privileges to be abolished.
