‘Racial polarisation no surprise’

It has been with us a long while and we should admit that it is a potent factor in Malaysian politics, says Chandra Muzzafar.

PETALING JAYA: Political analysts are not surprised with the country’s distinct racial polarisation following the results of the recent 13th general election (GE13).

Political scientist Chandra Muzzafar said that there has always been “a certain degree of polarisation” throughout history, however, in Malaysa, this was made more distinct in GE13.

“Ethnic consciousness has always been strong in society so it should not surprise us. People sometimes attribute to political parties based on ethnicity,” he said.

“It has been with us a long while and we should admit that it is a potent factor in Malaysian politics,” he added.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) associate professor James Gomez said the re-emergence of racial polarisation “shows that Malaysia is unable to evolve politics into a more policy-centered approach”.

“There was a positive indication in the run up to the election where different parties put out their manifestos which were very much policy-centered,” he said.

“But soon it degenerated from a policy-centered approach and now after all the race-based talks, we have lost the plot. It has just gotten worse,” he added.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) associate professor Andrew Aeria agreed that racial polarisation “certainly exists within Malaysian society”.

He accused ruling Barisan Nasion of making it worse by “not making much effort in closing the ethnic and religious divides”.

“Fanning ethnic supremacist positions has only made ethnic/religious relations worse,” he said. “In contrast, Pakatan Rakyat has achieved much more in closing this ethnic and religious divide.”

Aeria further described Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak as a “lame-duck, wishy-washy PM” who “continues to pander and appease the racist fringes of Umno and BN”.

“The racism that has emerged post-GE13 is reprehensible,” he said.

Anwar has been giving false hopes

Chandra believed “false perceptions” that the Chinese were “marginalised” by Umno-BN played a key factor in determining the Chinese vote.

“These are all false perceptions that have become widespread. It was effectively built up, especially after the 2008 general election when DAP did well,” he said.

Chandra pointed out that the Chinese dominated the upper strata of the Malaysian economy and those at the bottom were mostly of other races.

He added that in terms of politics, “Chinese participation is quite remarkable”.

“The Chinese felt they could bring about change. And (opposition leader) Anwar (Ibrahim) has been giving false hope to them,” he said.

“He says he would get rid of Malay supremacy and racial discrimination without specifying how he is going to do it. However, these factors explain why the Chinese voted for DAP,” he added.

Asked what would be a solution to this problem, Chandra said: “The solution has always been engagement. It is important for individual groups and politicians on both sides to engage.”

“There is no need for grand seminars and conferences as even small meetings between various groups which are influential will be just as effective.

“We don’t really engage, that is our problem. A lot of Chinese youths have taken part in demonstations and rallies.

“One should reach out and try to engage with them of their concerns… we have not made any attempt to reach out to them.

“Likewise, one should reach out to young Malays and find out what are their reasons why feel certain way,” added Chandra.

Gomez reiterated it was important for political parties to eliminate racial sentiments and adopt a clear, policy-centered approach.

“That would be more meaningful and is a reflection that Malaysian politics is moving forward,” he said.