Jan 29, 2009

Stop Racial Politics in Malaysia!



At Independence, the “Alliance formula” was a racial formula in the first place. The elite in the respective racial parties operated as champions of their race while paying lip service to national unity. I believe in having mono-ethnic parties it can’t be serious about wanting national unity. I strongly believe we need a Race Relations Act and a Race Relations Commission and its first recommendation should be to ban mono-ethnic political parties.

Months ago, in the 12th General Election, Malaysians defied common stereotypes in casting their votes. Malays voted for the Democratic Action Party(DAP); non-Malays, voted for PAS. Parti Keadilan Rakyat, long upheld as yet another in a long-line of Malay-inclusive multiracial parties that were sure to fail, became the second-largest party in Parliament. Many commentators trumpeted the beginning of the end for racial politics in Malaysia. It was clear from the results of the last general election that voters did not like racial politics.

Just compare with our poorer neighbor, Indonesia, with its 80 percent Muslim population, which is committed to a secular, plural polity embracing its Christian, Hindu and Buddhist minorities. If then can India be a “Hindu Nation”? 80.5% (800 million) of Hindus are currently in India. But they won’t carry out such policies to destroy the unity among it's citizen. Some local politicians are calling Malaysia as “Islamic Nation” with only almost 60% of Muslim around.

Some politicians are misusing the religion and race issues and sentiments into politics to gain support. The racial politics should have been abolished and multiracial party politics allowed to be proactive in local politics arena. It’s important to stay on track in order to compete with other developing nations.

It’s better late than never!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good article!

Anonymous said...

Let America change, let the whole world change.But we will refuse change- our YB warlords will stick to racial/religion politics to divide and rule necessary for their own survival/self-interest.It's a proven method used by many predecessors to succeed in politics power,nevermind the nation suffers

Anonymous said...

That a wonderful article vasan. keep up the good work. bravo!!!

Anonymous said...

That a wonderful article vasan. keep up the good work. bravo!!!

Goh Wei Liang said...

Don't make me laugh. Pakatan Rakyat offers better hope?

Malaysia is an Islamic nation by the Constitution.

A change in the Constitution requires the agreement of ALL MALAYSIANS, not any individual or political party.

Please read - Karpal hits out at Anwar over Statement on hudud law

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/9/nation/2980311&sec=nation

I hope you are aware that Hindraf will form a new political party representing the working class Indians under Pakatan Rakyat.

Where is the Malaysian Malaysia then?

Beware of Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat.

Satish said...

When will they learn that politics & religion just don't mix !!

Religion is personal, politics is not !!

To Wei Liang Goh :

Nowhere in the constitution does it specify that Malaysia is a secular or Islamic state. Nor does it state M'sia is an Islamic nation.

However, in Article 3(1), it says 'Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.'

That's the closest indicator we have...& I think it indicates secular,..so did Tunku Abdul Rahman & Tun Hussein Onn.

You may read this,

http://www.pogar.org/publications/other/constitutions/malaysia-e.pdf

& this,

http://www.dapmalaysia.org/english/2007/aug07/bul/bul3354.htm

Anyway, secular or Islamic, I don't care..as long as the religions of others are not disturbed, & not extremists nor too conservative.

& I agree, PR can't be trusted 100%, but at the moment, their the best chance M'sia has after 50 years of BN-style ruling.

Just my opinion.

Anonymous said...

Hi I'd like to congratulate you for such a terrific quality site!
Was thinking this is a nice way to introduce myself!

Sincerely,
Sage Brand
if you're ever bored check out my site!
[url=http://www.partyopedia.com/articles/fiesta-party-supplies.html]fiesta Party Supplies[/url].

Anonymous said...

hi, good site very much appreciatted

Anonymous said...

A person essentially help to make severely articles I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular submit incredible. Fantastic task!
Magnificent website. A lot of useful information here. I¡¦m sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you to your effort!
hi!,I really like your writing very much! proportion we keep up a correspondence more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this house to resolve my problem. Maybe that's you! Looking ahead to peer you.

JOIN BANGSA MALAYSIA: