Revisit the Malay Dilemma, but wisely

I refer to the article written by Dennis Ignatius entitled “Malay Dilemma Revisited”, carried by FMT on Dec 15.

As an avid reader and follower of FMT, I have often read articles penned by regular columnists like Dennis. Most of the time, I find his political commentaries and observations balanced and well reasoned. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that it resonates well with the thinking and outlook of moderate Malays like myself. Prior to GE14 and after the historic victory of the people and Pakatan Harapan (PH), it was obvious that Dennis had taken the position as a strong advocate of PH. From his point of view, PH was the only viable alternative and way out of the plague and rot during the administration of Najib Razak. The theme and thrust of his writings reflected the sentiments of the people on the ground, and were very much in sync with their hopes and wishes.

But lately, we have seen a noticeable change in his stance. There have been occasions where he raised the issues of racial inequality and discrimination in the country and asked pointed questions about social justice under the PH government. He raised and brought to the fore the ramifications of ICERD. He took the view that in this issue, and in some other key areas of governance, the PH government had fallen short of expectations. As a result, he has begun to express disappointment and despair with the new government for being no different from the previous administration.

But is that really so?

Social justice

Moderate Malay Muslims are ever mindful of God’s many reminders in the Quran that there is indeed no place for racism in Islam.

For the benefit of Dennis and other non-Muslim readers, I would like to quote some of the relevant verses:

“We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you” (Quran, 49:13).

“Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colours. Verily, in that are signs for people of knowledge” (Quran 30:22).

Prophet Muhammad, in his final sermon at Mount Hira, also addressed the issue of racism:

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor has a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action.”

Insofar as true believers are concerned, the Malay Muslims are all too aware of the need to give justice to all irrespective of race, creed and colour. Many in the present government, including Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Mohamad Sabu, to name just a few, are Malay Muslim leaders who are aware of and committed to fulfilling the said commandments.

Be that as it may, it has to be said that Islam does not prohibit efforts to help a certain race or group provided that there is a need for it and that such efforts do not prejudice or result in injustice to other races or groups.

National economic policies and the Federal Constitution

The said Islamic jurisprudence has been translated into practice as policies of positive discrimination in many Muslim countries. In the context of Malaysian economic policies, it is defined as affirmative action to help the Malays and Bumiputeras.

The country’s constitution is also founded on the premise of a social contract between the main races of Malays, Chinese and Indians. One of the cornerstones of the constitution is the special rights and privileges of the Malays, Islam as the official religion of the nation and the institution of monarchy as enshrined in it.

Even ICERD recognises and give cognisance to policies of affirmative action as a means to help the poor and disadvantaged races or groups in the country, subject only to the proviso that such a policy is not supposed to go on indefinitely. At some point in time, when its objectives have been fulfilled, it has to be dismantled to allow for an equitable and level playing field. The writer does not think there is any problem or issue with moderate Malay Muslims on this.

Treading the issue with wisdom

In his latest article, Dennis again questions Mahathir and his PH government for emphasising pro-Malay economic policies which, according to him, is reminiscent of the Malay Dilemma era.

He argues that Malays have made significant advances and progress in economy, and it is the non-Malays who are actually being left behind. He also concedes that the majority of Malays may not be the main beneficiary of the said progress; rather it is the Malay political masters, their select group of cronies, apparatchiks and supporters who have benefitted.

From the writer’s perspective, the new government appears bent on discontinuing the said approach and manner of implementation, to be replaced with policies and programmes to help and benefit the poor Malay populace. The new narrative lays equal emphasis on the need to help needy Chinese and Indians as well.

This new narrative requires a paradigm shift in the thinking and approach to national development. The government has to prepare and educate the people on what this will entail. It has to be kept in mind that the Malay Muslim community is too used to the politics of race and religion fostered and practised by the previous governments. To expect them to make an immediate quantum leap by immediately accepting a system of social justice premised on needs instead of race-based policies may not be realistic or even possible, more so with PAS and Umno on the sidelines, ever ready to exploit the situation and beat the war drums to incite the Malay Muslim community by instilling fear, apprehension and hostility through the belief that they are under siege by the non-Malays. These were the seeds that led to the bloody riot of May 13 and the impetus to the recent ICERD rally.

The lethal combination of religious and racial sentiments inflamed passions at the recent ICERD rally, prompting many to warn that it could trigger a racial riot similar to May 13 if not wisely managed.

Under the circumstances, Dennis has to be more understanding of the political constraints faced by Mahathir and his government in having to strike a balance between what is right and what is politically possible for the moment. It may necessitate a compromise of sorts through a gradual and staggered implementation of the new policies.

The way forward

It is high time for Malaysians to free themselves from religious bigotry and racism, to make way for more inclusive politics with the Malays and non-Malays working hand-in-hand as brothers to build a new Malaysia.

We have to acknowledge that our fate and futures are intertwined with each other. The success of our journey ahead will be very much dependent on our ability to stay united and work together for a prosperous and peaceful Malaysia.

The Malay Muslims will have to fall back on the Quran and the Prophet’s traditions as their guide. They will also do well to remember the wise words of Tok Guru Nik Aziz, who reminded them that when Muslims meet their creator on the day of reckoning, they will not be asked how much of a Malay they were. Instead, they will be asked how much goodness they did on earth and for mankind.

Dennis and non-Muslims like him also have to exercise great care, restraint and temperance in raising questions that directly or indirectly touch on and concern the rights and privileges of the Malay Muslims as enshrined in the constitution.

All things said and done, and for better or worse, we have to acknowledge that Mahathir and the PH government are still our best bet for a safer and better Malaysia. It is certainly a much better proposition than reverting to the old ways of Umno-Barisan Nasional with PAS as a partner to revive their brand of toxic politics. May God forbid such a prospect!

Wan Haron Wan Hassan is a senior practising lawyer, active in civil society movements. -FMT