Malaysia’s obsession with race and religion: a never-ending tragedy

 

From Adnan D

More than six decades after independence, Malaysia remains ensnared in a toxic web of race and religion. This isn’t progress; it’s stagnation. No statesman has emerged to lead the nation beyond these divisive shackles. Instead, we’re stuck with a carousel of politicians recycling the same tired rhetoric, pandering to fears and prejudices to maintain their grip on power. It’s exhausting, infuriating, and ultimately pathetic.

Race, race, race—the drumbeat of the national narrative. As a brown-skinned Malaysian with both Hindu and Muslim ancestry, I’ve lived the divisiveness this obsession breeds. I’ve seen how it poisons relationships, stifles opportunities, and derails progress. Yet it remains the dominant force in politics and society. Why? Because it’s easier to keep people divided than to lead them towards unity and shared humanity.

Growing up in a mixed family taught me one undeniable truth: none of us chose our skin colour, ethnicity or the religion we were born into. Yet these arbitrary traits dictate our lives. Society refuses to move beyond this fixation, and our so-called leaders thrive on it.

If leadership were music, Malaysia’s record player would be stuck on the same worn-out tune—division, fear and empty promises.

The Madani government is no exception. It claims to bring change but operates with cowardice, seemingly more interested in internal politicking than addressing the rakyat’s frustrations. People are fed up and they openly say: “At least previous governments were openly corrupt—we knew what we were dealing with. This one operates in the shadows, doing things we can’t even fathom.”

It’s a damning indictment of a government that promised better but delivers confusion and distrust.

The strategy of racial politics is painfully transparent: keep people distracted by racial divisions, and they won’t notice the systemic rot.

Good leaders die too soon, and bad ones linger far too long. Meanwhile, the nation suffers as opportunities remain locked behind racial and religious barriers. It’s a betrayal of the very idea of Malaysia—a place that should be united in diversity, not fractured by it.

Opportunities should be based on need and merit, not the accident of birth. Instead of fostering meritocracy, we’ve created a society obsessed with entitlement. The endless debates about who deserves what are nauseating. Those who’ve had every advantage yet squander it through laziness, exploitation or crime have no right to demand more from taxpayers. Why should anyone subsidise a lifestyle of complacency?

Public resources should go to those genuinely in need—the sick, the abused, the marginalised. Life isn’t fair. Deal with it. Sitting around and blaming others won’t improve your circumstances. Personal accountability matters. Yet many Malaysians seem content to wallow in victimhood, pointing fingers at the government, the system, or another race. Meanwhile, real issues like education, parenting, and community resilience are ignored.

The entitlement culture among politicians and their supporters is staggering. They act as if society owes them simply for existing.

Newsflash: the world doesn’t work that way. Success requires effort, discipline, and responsibility. No government can—or should—act as a fairy godmother for those unwilling to help themselves.

What’s even more insulting is how hard-working Malaysians, who slog through education, jobs and life’s hurdles, see their tax dollars fund the indolence of others. It’s a slap in the face to those who contribute meaningfully to society.

Yes, systemic inequalities exist, and yes, they must be addressed. But handouts aren’t the solution. We need a system that supports those in need while rewarding effort and achievement. We need leadership with the courage to unite, not divide.

Malaysia’s obsession with race and religion is more than just a distraction—it’s a prison. It locks the nation into an endless cycle of blame and mediocrity. Instead of clinging to these divisions, let’s build a society based on mutual respect, accountability and shared progress.

If you’re unwilling to move beyond entitlement and blame, stay in your echo chamber. The rest of us have work to do. - FMT

Adnan D is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.