Pro-Bumi policy to stay even if BN loses GE14, says think tank

'Those saying otherwise are trying to scare Bumiputeras into voting a certain way.'

Propaganda surrounding affirmative action has created a sense of fear among Malays, says Wan Saiful

PETALING JAYA: A think tank has denounced attempts to scare Bumiputera voters into believing that any political party will scrap affirmative action if it comes to power.

“The argument that Pakatan Harapan or DAP, if they come into power, will change the policy is just political propaganda,” said Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

He was voicing his agreement with a recent Singapore Straits Times article that said abolishing affirmative action for Bumiputeras was politically impossible.

Those who were saying otherwise were trying to scare Malays and other Bumiputeras into voting a certain way in the 14th general election, Wan Saiful told FMT.

“People who raise the idea that any political party wants to abolish affirmative action are simply scaremongering to remain in power.”

He said propaganda surrounding affirmative action had created a sense of fear among Malays.

“Every time anyone raises the issue, even when they talk about improving it and making sure it becomes efficient and more effective, people in the ruling coalition, especially Umno, will say this is a political agenda to abolish the special position of the Malays,” he told FMT.

Activist lawyer Art Harun says there would be a riot if affirmative action was abolished.

Activist lawyer Azhar (Art) Harun said there would be a riot if affirmative action was abolished.

“I use the word ‘riot’ figuratively and literally because people are addicted to affirmative action,” he told FMT.

He said it would be political suicide for any political party to speak of even attempting to abolish the policy, especially when canvassing for votes. “No way,” he said. “They will lose.”

“If they explain to people that they will look into it, then maybe people will be willing to accept that. But even then, I think there is no more rationality when it comes to this issue. And emotions run high.” -FMT