The Malaysian Sensitivities: Economic Disparity and Religious Respect

www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

2012 was good - with our Prime Minister coming up with various efforts surrounding economic transformation and Government transformation. 2013 was bad - as contributed by the Malay split and Chinese tsunami in the General Elections. 2014 will get ugly - when all hell breaks lose as led by the debacle on the use of the word Allah issue.

The mood in our (Malaysians) surroundings have had a wind of change. There have been many reactions to what the Government is doing. There have also been reactions to what the Government is not doing. Either way, confusion creeps in hay-wiring issues between each other. What is religion based has become political and vice versa. Anger is arising. Humility is at its lowest ever to the point of rudeness. This is apparent amongst youngsters particularly in the cyber world. People call names and swear bad words without hesitation. Racial remarks being thrown left, right and centre with no consideration for its consequences. Things are progressing,.... backwards. 2012 was good - with our Prime Minister coming up with various efforts surrounding economic transformation and Government transformation. 2013 was bad - as contributed by the Malay split and Chinese tsunami in the General Elections. 2014 will get ugly - when all hell breaks lose as led by the rising cost of living and the debacle on the use of the word Allah.

We need to take a step back. Work on the breaks and drop the gear. Ski-ing (the hell do you spell this anyway?) down the slope will only build momentum. If left unaddressed, the momentum will be a killer. We don't want to end up like bloody Schumacher do we? There are a few options to consider. None are the best and none are inadequate either. The point is, something needs to be done. It has to start now. In January. Everybody. You, me, her and the mamak at the stall if necessary. We can scream till our lungs produces the highest C minor note,.. It ain't gonna help. You may have voiced your concerns. The Government hears. I presume they will have a plan and expects us to trust them. Assuming they are doing what is required of them, and; assuming that the citizens' well being is fairly guarded as represented by way of their (citizens) votes on who sits in Parliament; the only controllable factor that everyone has is themselves. You. Control yourself (me included). Especially on social media. So what can we do? Each individual can contribute good deeds and collectively it accumulates and synergises into a universal well being - very much like the blue aliens in Avatar doing upper half body dance to channel good vibes to a central core to radiate goodness in life.

 

Our population makes up of many races particularly the top 3 prominent ones, namely Malays, Chinese and Indians. They coexist culturally but they did not progress equally economically. The facts are clear. Bumiputeras only hold 21% of the wealth of the country. That is, of course, heavily contributed by Government Linked Companies (GLC). You exclude them (GLCs) from the equation, it'll be pathetic I am sure. In fact 21% is already pathetic. No doubt it improved since 1975 when the New Economic Policy (NEP) was heavily being implemented but 30-40 years have passed and we are still not at the intended level of, also pathetic, 30%. All the while efforts have been put in to push this but results were not forthcoming. How can a 70% group of the population only owns 21%? 

 

Even with such pathetic condition, the Government still decided to withdraw the 30% quota allowing non-Bumiputeras to own businesses up to the fullest (100%). This is done so that we have a state of 'level playing field'. The field is level yes, but there are only 3 players on one side of the field against 7 players on the other. So, in substance, the field is not level. That 30% was supposed to be the handicap points very much like the game of golf! Well, nevermind that. It has been decided. No more 30%. Now, if the Bumiputeras have sacrificed that 30% for the sake of the minorities who have been waiting for the moment for over 50 years, there needs to be a reciprocal sacrifice.

It is believed that the NEP lack totality in its approach. We only sent Bumiputera kids to study and give jobs and chance to run businesses. All that was flushed down the toilet when they could not survive. Why? Well, almost all industries and businesses in Malaysia has non-Bumiputera control at critical points of its value chain. These 'controllers' remain unfriendly in supporting the spirit of the NEP. Likewise in other job markets, if not in businesses. The Bumiputeras had the opportunity to study and get financing but they did not get the opportunity to progress against barriers to entry set by non-Bumiputeras. I urge everyone to exercise compassion. For the non-Bumiputera 'controllers', please do consider doing business (in the case of employment, to provide opportunity to grow) with Bumiputeras. For Bumiputeras, please, please consider working together with the non-Bumiputeras. As Tun Mahathir puts it, "Malays need the business minds of the Chinese and the professional services of the Indians. Or else, Malaysia cannot develop."

 

Then there is the issue of the use of the word ' Allah'. In many countries Muslims do not get offended with Christians using the word 'Allah' to address their God. Unfortunately in Malaysia, particularly the Peninsula, it is a sensitive matter. There is fear that Christians will use the word to attract young Muslims to convert to Christianity. Such fear creates anger amongst Muslims. Non-Muslims inability to feel this sensitivity makes things worse by inflating the issue to political stage. It is not about religion nor freedom of speech or religion. It is about sensitivity. Muslims in Pakistan do not mind their Christian friends use the word Allah. Are we in Pakistan? No! We are very much still here. We are living in the Peninsula. Muslims do get offended with the matter. Never mind Sabah and Sarawak because they have been using the word 'Allah' since hundreds of years ago due to influences from the Indonesian side. That is an exception.

'Allah' is mentioned in all Muslims' prayers which is stated in the Al-Quran in Arabic and has sacred meanings to the Muslims. Many Muslims in Malaysia believe that it should remain exclusive to them. They say that when they are questioned during Judgement Day on what they have done to protect the religion, at least they can say they have done their part by voicing out dissatisfaction. Never mind whether this is valid or justified from religious, historical, linguistic or sociological technical perspective. The core of the issue is that people are offended. Majority of the people are offended. I am guessing 70% of the citizen (except for Marina Mahathir and her gang that seems to have differing opinion to the mainstream mass Malay). It is this call in their heart that the Muslims are getting the jitters from. No the technicalities, but the heart and the perception that they have been violated. You shake the hornet's nest and the hornets will sting you.... right? When the Muslim Malays gets poked, of course they will poke back. What do you expect?

The Malays are beginning to feel that there is a difference between tolerating minority and being bullied by minority. Religion related matters such as this is deemed by them (Malays) as stepping over the line of tolerance and into bullying - Minority bullying majority instead of popular believe of otherwise. In a listed company the majority respects minority by adhering to reporting requirements and listening to their voices or suggestions via AGM or MSWG. The final decision of approving whatever transactions will be of the majority. So it is not about "minority" rights that we are considering. It is about lighting a fire at a giant matter such as religion of the majority. Minority's rights have always been considered and deliberated by the majority. The biggest example is when the Government withdrew 30% equity quota requirement allowing Non-Bumiputeras to own more than 70%. Why that matter gets no praise? 

It seems that the minority is 'taking over' what the significance of the word 'majority' should have. Looks like the majority is the minority in this country. They (Malays) have always been economically minority anyway. Now they (Non-Muslims) want to strip them (Muslims-Malays) off their majority comfort over religious matters? No wonder 70% of the population is not at ease. It is a dangerous situation. A giant waiting to be awaken. Once awaken, it can get ugly. Why wake the giant? Let it be. This needs to be assessed from bird eye view considering all points above. To achieve harmony not all battles should be won. Some battles should be lost for greater good. Malays gave up 30% but do not expect them to give up 'Allah'. Even the 30% took them over 30 years to finally let go; let alone matters of faith. We need to ponder. This is the heart talking. It should not affect friendship between Muslims and Non-Muslims....... I hope. We just have to learn to tolerate and address sensitivities.
 

So, good God help us all, lest we forget we are tiny in this universe.

* kopihangtuah




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