One of the many BodohLand.com readers.
THE MALAYSIAN MALAY
by Dr Syed Alwi of Singapore
Dear Editor,
As you know, I am an avid watcher of Malaysian affairs. I must confess
that lately, Malaysia appears to be failing. Not a day passes by
without more events that clearly highlight Malaysia ‘s race-religion
fault-line. If things keep going this way, I fear for Malaysia ‘s
future.
that lately, Malaysia appears to be failing. Not a day passes by
without more events that clearly highlight Malaysia ‘s race-religion
fault-line. If things keep going this way, I fear for Malaysia ‘s
future.
Today, schools in Singapore celebrate Racial Harmony Day. I can
visibly see the joy in the children’s faces as they wear their ethnic
costumes and have fun together at school. But in Malaysia – even the
right to choose a religion has become a sensitive, national issue. No
doubt, there are many in Malaysia who hate my liberal views on Islam,
family included. But I will say what I must say openly. I have come to
the conclusion that Malaysia cannot progress any further without first
addressing fundamental questions regarding its identity and soul.
I remember the days when we can laugh at Lat’s cartoons on everyday
Malaysian life. But sadly, the Islamic tide has polarised Malaysians.
Some people ask why I should bother about Malaysian affairs since I am
a Singaporean. May I remind Malaysians that it was Tan Siew Sin who
once said that Singapore and Malaysia are Siamese Twins. Should
Malaysia go down – it would hurt the region tremendously. Especially
Singapore …
Where do you think Malay apostates would head for if Lina Joy loses
her case? Singapore of course! I find the Malaysian Malay to be very
under-exposed. For them, it’s all Islam and the NEP and everything
under the sun would sort itself out. I am sorry to say this – but
Islam and the NEP may be the cause of the undoing of the Malaysian
Malay.
There is nothing wrong with religion or affirmative action. But, like
everything else in life, they must be taken in moderation and with a
pinch of salt. A little doubt is good. Unfortunately in Malaysia ,
emotions over Islam have overcome reason. What we see today is the
result of the NEP and Islamisation policies of the past thirty years
or so.
No one owes Malaysian Malays a living. Let me assure you that should
Malaysia fail – the Malaysian Malay will suffer enormously. And
rightly so. After all – they have been pampered with all sorts of
goodies over the years. They cannot now expect more goodies. Perhaps
the day of reckoning for them, is near. Whatever it is, Malaysia had
better wake up to the realities around her. The globalised world of
the 21st century has no NEP to offer the Malaysian Malay. And humans
cannot live by religion alone.
Regards,
Dr Syed Alwi