I applaud the initiatives of our ally DAP in their quest for a better Malaysia by coining the 'Middle Malaysia' theme. There is no room for any sort of extremism, not from the Malays nor from any other ethnic background.In very general terms, the Malays have now warmed up to the fact that the Malays are not the only ones to be beneficiaries of affirmative action policies. These people have now learnt that the current mechanics are based on very flawed premises - race; which should have been based on actual need that transcends racial barriers.
This is the official stand of Pakatan Rakyat since its inception, and shall serve as a guiding light for its coalition partners in its foray forward for a better Malaysia; and as the binding glue that keeps Pakatan Rakyat alive and kicking.
However I have to comment on the reluctance of these illuminated Malaysians themselves to fully appreciate the effort, especially from the non-Malays. Granted, many Malays now see and accept the fact that there are Chinese and Indian children that require help and assistance, e.g. outstanding students to be given scholarships and access to local institutions of higher learning. However, many firms, companies and partnerships dominated by the Chinese and Indians, are continuing to impose different wage scales, benefits and allowances for their employees based on race.
For an example, a local law firm (dominated by Chinese bosses) based near Central Market, Kuala Lumpur, has a different wage scale for its Chinese employees and the rest. They may reason as follows:
1. A Chinese has no access to scholarships and local universities;
2. A Chinese has to bear its own education;
3. A Chinese has to buy a house without a 5% discount;
4. A Chinese has a hard time to get Government assistance;
among others. Thus they seem to think that they are allowed to basically give preferential treatment to these 'victims' rather that to be fair and impose the same conditions on their employees without reference to race or creed.
Firstly these people have to objectively understand whether these so-called 'Special Malay Rights' are actually given to the Malays or the select few of whom have ties to the ruling elite! In actual fact, a vast majority of the Malays get nothing of the sort. and when these unfortunate Malays ask for jobs in Chinese or Indian companies, they are forced to taste these 'vengeful' measures first hand.
It is true that these facts are not based on available written or concrete evidence, but a simple audit to be conducted on their financial affairs can reveal surprising results. God bless the Companies Act!
I am confident that this warped and sadly twisted logic is not only confined within the walls of that particular firm; but applies also to hundreds of other businesses, all of which has non-Malays as its controlling owner.
I think that if the non-Malays think that the Malays should spare a thought for the troubles that these people face, they have to realise in return that there are many Malays who are suffering from the same preferential treatment that they have to endure with their non-Malay bosses.
I fully understand that these may be as a direct result of the racially discriminative policies undertaken by our racist masters led by UMNO, MCA and MIC since UMNO's inception in 1946. But we need to be strong and defy our own vengeful desires if we are serious about embracing a better Malaysia for all!
A truly just and equitable Malaysia in the future does not merely mean the Malays being more understanding of the troubles their non-Malay brethren face, it goes vice-versa as well. The longer these non-Malay bosses take to implement fair and equitable policies that transcends race (and even gender! but that is another story..) the faster will Malaysia develop into that utopia of racial harmony and fair play. Something that our leaders in Pakatan Rakyat is trying so hard to achieve.
Let us all help in Pakatan Rakyat's cause and do our little bit to ensure that a future Malaysia has a place for all. Further, let us do this on our own initiative and accord without being dictated by positive laws. I am confident though, that this write-up will be taken into consideration and that we will all do our little part to make Middle Malaysia a reality.
Salam Reformasi,
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