Exchanges with Din Merican

What is the Alternative to UMNO?

Dear Bakri:

In terms of political representation, Malays lack any real choice. There are no viable alternatives to UMNO for us.

UMNO is corrupt to the core as you said, nonetheless it represents the Malays, or at least some three million of us, whether we like it or not. It is also very well funded and organized, and controls our country’s resources. Non-UMNO Malays do not matter, and UMNO can play on their insecurities and religiosity through the inculcation of “nilai-nilai Islam” (Islamic values).

Keadilan does not know where it is heading (sorry to say this) since its principal purpose was to free Anwar Ibrahim. Now that he is out of jail, what is there for this lethargic party? It cannot even manage a satisfactory merger with Parti Rakyat Malaysia.

The new PAS even under a more ‘liberal’ leadership is certainly not an option since it has yet to abandon publicly its quest for an Islamic state. This is the basis of its existence and support among conservative elements in our society. Further, PAS does not attract non-Muslims; they do not trust these mullahs in lounge suits.

We are left with a Hobson’s choice: UMNO and the Barisan Nasional versus the unappealing and ineffectual “others.” In short, we are stuck with UMNO. How then can we reform or invigorate it?

Self-examination is a good start, but it will be only a mirage since UMNO leaders will not change. Fighting for the “Malay cause” gives them the right to plunder the country for their families, friends and themselves. How else can we explain the failure of NEP after 35 years? “Perjuangan kita belum selesai,” (Our struggle is not over), they proclaim endlessly. That “perjuangan” is for the status quo.

Change can only come when UMNO Malays decide that enough is enough, and start changing the UMNO system of politics from within. Unfortunately, the ordinary members have no means of doing this as the grassroots politics is still controlled by divisional and branch leaders who in turn are subservient to the top leadership through extensive and lucrative patronage system.

Professor AB Shamsul of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia has written an outstanding book on this subject, From British to Bumiputra Rule.

I am not optimistic that true reform – quite apart from cosmetic changes – is possible. Our present man, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, is a product of the system. He is loyal to the system that has enabled him to be Malaysia’s top honcho.

Abdullah is surely a very good politician and a smart operator. Consequently, I am afraid that we are not seeing him for what he really is: one of them. So let us not be taken up by his earnest and “sincere” pronouncements. He has tolerated if not encouraged such characters as Osu Sukam, Isa Samad, Mat Tyson, Musa Aman, Khir Toyo, and Rafidah Aziz. They and others like them are still in UMNO, and thriving.

In order to survive and prosper in the party, one must be corrupt or be part of the corrupt culture. It is the same thing really. We know how difficult it is to effect change of culture. If the whole UMNO culture is tainted, then its leadership too is tainted.

Until an alternative emerges, the Malays must continue to rely on UMNO. This then is our destiny.

Din Merican

[This letter was also published in Malaysiakini.com on August 19, 2005]

MBM’s reply:

Dear Din:

You sound very pessimistic. Unfortunately, I agree with you. I too see little movement towards changing, let alone reforming, UMNO.

Uttering slogans like, “Work with me, not for me!” or “Cermelang, Gemilang, Terbilang” (Excellence, Glory, Distinction) will not do it. They are all …temberang! (bulls***).

Frankly, major changes like reforms and revolutions frighten me. Look at the reformasi movement both at home and in nearby Indonesia. It created more mess. Anwar’s reformasi threw back the cause of political discourse a hundred years back. Now the world thinks that the only way Malaysians are capable of protesting or registering our disagreements through ugly street demonstrations. Even ordinary citizens are now allergic to and fed up of street rallies and demonstrations after seeing the damages following the rampages of the reformasi folks. Not to mention the humongous traffic jams! As for revolution, look at Indonesia under Sukarno; it underwent endless revolusi before finally spinning out of control.

I would be happy were UMNO folks (leaders and followers alike) to begin with small incremental changes. I wrote about this elsewhere, so I will merely summarize my ideas here. Encourage competition for leadership positions for one, beginning at the highest levels with the top two positions contested. As for dismantling the huge and entrenched patronage system, I would begin by decoupling party from governmental positions. Meaning, just because you are a top UMNO leader does not mean you will get a senior government job. The skills, duties and talent needed for the two are very different and often contradictory. To be a successful politician, you have to be a backslapping and gregarious type. To be a successful executive, you have to focus and be willing to step on toes in order to get things done.

I am skeptical of idealistic reformers. Anwar Ibrahim claimed that he wanted to reform UMNO from within. “Reform from the inside!” must surely be the rallying cry of opportunists from time immemorial!

UMNO will change. The question is when and how. If it is too slow in coming, then we Malays will risk suffering irretrievably during the wait. Too rapid and tumultuous a change would disrupt UMNO, the Malays, and Malaysia.

I believe firmly that what we as well as many others are doing will effect changes. It is this conviction that motivates me to continue with my writing. Thirty years ago when I started voicing my views, people said that I was a voice in the wilderness or worse, a crackpot. My colleagues said that I was “flash in a pan” will all my ideas. Give time, they predicted, and I would surely adapt to the Malaysian realities! I did not!

I returned willingly to Malaysia in the 1970s to start my career. I had no obligation to do so, no scholarship or other bonds, except strong family ties that beckoned me back.

When I could not break the wall by banging my head against it, I quit and moved away where there are no walls barring my way ahead. I also discovered that I had fewer headaches and enjoyed life more by doing that!

To my critics who carp that I should return home and get my hands wet, my ready retort is simply, “Been there, done that!”

Now I find a better way at hammering at the wall, by firing salvos from a distance. My literary missiles seem to be working. Many of the ideas I suggested in the past are being adopted, like the wider use of English. Of course, it would be presumptuous of me to claim credit. Rather conditions are so bad now that these UMNO folks finally see the light. Reality has a way of knocking sense into people, even the dumbest.

Even if I were not effective with my writings, the fact that I am no longer bagging my head against the wall has saved me from further headache. That is reward enough!

Even more gratifying is that many, including those in senior positions in government and UMNO, are now declaring that they share my views. They may not do so openly but at least that is what they say to me in private. The fact that they are acknowledging me is in itself progress!

They are not the only ones as I also hear from my readers. On the day that Malaysiakini publishes your letter, it also carried one from a “Bumi Entrepreneur.” He wrote eloquently of the breach of trust by our leaders of the noble ideals of the NEP. I do not post on my website other people’s materials that had been posted or published elsewhere, but his letter is so compelling that I am making an exception. Below is his letter, his plaintive cry so painful.

Sallam,
Bakri

Elite Malays Have Betrayed NEP’s Aims
Bumi Entrepreneur
Malaysiakini.com, August 19, 2005

The voices appealing to continue the New Economic Policy (NEP) are getting louder, with all kinds of people trying to justify why it should be so. In the forefront are our Malay political leaders who are working overtime to churn out all kinds of statistics and “facts.” Being a Malay, I grieve for my brethren who until today are still waiting for the delivery of that solemn NEP promise.

I was but a child at the time when our well-meaning leaders formulated the NEP, but along the way, I saw with disgust and sorrow how my own people betrayed the trust placed on them.

The Approve Permit [for importing cars] scandal is just a wee demonstration of how the NEP has failed, with well-connected individuals raking in millions by doing nothing. Even government assets are not spared as they were sold cheaply to friends and relatives, with decisions made by the stroke of a pen.

What used to be state land is now in private hands, and turned into golf courses, equestrian resorts, huge skyscrapers, and shopping complexes. Assets belonging to government agencies too were plundered, and if that those were not enough, even agencies to help the Malays, such as UDA, were also sold!

Now the government says that agriculture must be modernized and expanded. Actually, this was mooted a long time ago with the formation of such statutory bodies such as FIMA to spearhead this modernization. Those too are now in private hands.

Then there was this noble intention to finance sports by way of raising money through lotteries, as is done in many other countries. So the government formed the Sports Toto. That money-spinner too is now sold. Our old airport at Subang was also quickly “sold.” The buyers at their first opportunity demolished every building on site for fear that the government would change its mind.

When these privatized projects failed to take off, they were simply handed back to the government without any compensation. Even shares bought from the government could be sold back when the market was down, not at market prices but at the purchase price, thus sparing the buyer of the losses.

All these were done in full view of us, the supposed recipients and beneficiaries of the NEP. All that we could do was watch in dismay as the plundering and destruction went on in our name.

Huge projects, such as the Independent Power Producers contracts were given on a silver platter to close friends, to be used as cash cows to finance other projects while the smaller, uneconomical ones were given to people like us.

We are then admonished for the slightest mistake that we make, and many times, publicly humiliated and compared with other more successful ‘entrepreneurs.’ But before these projects came to people like us, it was creamed off by the very people who are supposed to represent us and look after our interests, leaving us almost nothing in the end.

It would not hurt so much if they had succeeded in becoming successful entrepreneurs themselves. Then we too could be proud of them. But no! Many failed and now they want more, shouting themselves hoarse on why they need to be given more, and more and more.

I hope and pray that things will finally change for the better, because if it were done in the same manner as it was done over the last 22 years, then the NEP will have to be there for the next 100 years.

The Malay Today
Din Merican
[Reprinted from Malaysia Today Thursday, July 28, 2005. www.malaysia-today.net]

The problem is that most Malays today do not read. Dr. Bakri Musa made this observation in one of his books, Seeing Malaysia My Way. To most Malays, as related by Bakri, anything beyond a simple essay is “too difficult and too long, lah.”

Others note that there are not enough books published in Malay. Or that maybe we Malays want to be spoon-fed.

Poor Excuse

If indeed there is a shortage of reading materials in Malay, then learn English, or any other language of one’s choice. Spend your ownmoney and attend night classes if need be. More truthfully, it is a question of attitude and motivation. The Vietnamese for example, are highly motivated; they work during the day and learn English at night. For ten years (1965-1975), the Americans tried to bomb their country into the Stone Age but failed. Unlike the Vietnamese, we Malays have our NEP and NDP now for over 35 years (1970-2005).

We have our share of exemplary Malays as worthy role models. Sadly most were in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Paradoxically those were difficult times, and those Malays are a vanishing group. They will disappear soon.

What we have today to be the role model for our young are self-serving Malay leaders and the so-called Malay “lingo” nationalists. During the early years of independence, these “lingo” nationalists were in league with ambitious Malay politicians who wanted the Malay Language to be the world’s lingua franca. Malay nationalism was the road to fame and fortune, the consequences be damned.

These “leaders” successfully won the day, with Malay replacig English as the medium of instruction in our schools and universities. Did we have the books, articles and other publications in mathematics and the sciences and other subjects then? No, that would come later, we were assured. We probably thought those things would magically drop off from the sky.

Thus was the national language policy implemented, in earnest without regards to developing the necessary infrastructures and softwares needed to ensure its successful execution. “Dasar dulu dan yang lain semua belakang kira.” (Policy first, all other things can come later)”.

Today we see and bear the consequences of this myopia. We have Malay university graduates who are unemployable, and government officers who are scared to speak at international conferences because they lack the prerequisite English language skills.

Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka was created 40 years ago to accommodate the “lingo” nationalists. Since then it has been on a steady decline. Perversely, while these nationalists were publicly championing our national language, their children are all fluent in English and other languages because they have been educated abroad!

The burden of the national language follies is borne by the poor Malay kids in the kampongs and small towns. Yet these language nationalists are still around today, punching their kerises in the air, and strenously opposing any policy change.

Dewan Bahasa is still active, but preoccupied with doing the same old and outdated things. Vested interests, a feature of all bureaucracies, prevent any meaningful reform or strategic change. I do not deny that we need to develop our language but the vast sums of money invested in this institution were a colossal waste.

A cynic might say that Dewan Bahasa was very successful in fulfilling its mandate, which is to promote the use of Malay in administration and business. That served our domestic needs. But times have changed and in the era of globalisation, it would be a great advantage if Malaysians were fluent in English, Japanese, German, Mandarin, French, and other foreign languages.

Glokal Malays

How can we be “Melayu Glokal” if we lack foregin language skills? If we cannot handle own language, then something must be wrong with us. Of course we can, but what about English, for example?

Our home-grown intellectuals, with few exceptions like Kassim Ahmad, Syed Hussin Ali, Rustam Sani, K.S. Jomo and Terrence Gomez, tend to go along with their political masters. If you watch the television coverage of the recent Umno General Assembly, the guest commentator was an UMNO apologist. He had nothing original or incisive to say. Many others are like him. They shape Malay opinion, advocating a culture of conformism. Hang Jebat goodbye!

Those who dare speak and offer alternative views are marginalized. They are rarely invited to sit on government committees to help shape national policies. Worse, their writings do not appear in the mainstream media which are consumed with self censorship. Or when they are published, the are heavily “edited” beyond recognition. In some cases their books are banned. Fancy banning books and publications in the 21st Century! Even sadder, a few have been imprisoned and suffered police brutality.

Fortunately thanks to the Internet, today we have independent websites like bakrimusa.com, kassimahmad.blogspot.com, malaysia-today.net and malaysiakini.com, to name a few, as well as the many bloggers. They allow us to express our views and discuss our concerns in an open and responsible way.

We will soldier on and get our share of readers. Raja Petra Kamarudin’s Malaysia Today receives some 250,000-300,000 hits daily. Unfortunately, Raja Petra’s house was recently raided by the police because he publsihed articles critical of the Negri Sembilan Royal Family. What is the message here?

I must admit that I do not have time for Malay novelists and writers except for Keris Mas, Tongkat Warrant, Samad Said, Kassim Ahmad and Baha Zain. I have a preference for the classics, biographies and autobiographies of great men of history, philosophical treatises, international relations, and economics. My doing so does not make me less of a Malay. In fact my readings make me very conscious of my “Malayness.”

It is not correct, as one reader put it, we just “simply nag and make noise in our own circles.” You as well others of your generation must write and act, but do so responsibily. To be able to do that, you must first read and and be able to think critically and develop your writing skills.

At my age of 66, I have done more than my share through the years. My contemporaries and I have made it possible for you and your generation to move forward. The question is: Will you and your friends take up the challenge for a better Malaysia and a stronger and more dynamic Malay society?

It is time for action by your generation. By all means, correct our mistakes. Be aware however that even the most well intentioned policies carry their own seeds of destruction, the Law of Unintended Consequences being operative. Politicians and their sycophants choose to ignore this reality. Actually they could not care less of the the consequences, intended or otherwise, of their policies.

Political Grandstanding or Sinister Policy Shift?
SEEING IT MY WAY M. Bakri Musa
Co-written with Din Merican*

[Reprinted from Malaysaikini.com, July 19, 2005]

Our “reformed” Royal Malaysian Police recently raided the home of Raja Petra Kamarudin, editor of the website Malaysia Today (www.malaysia-today.net), and seized his computers. To Malaysiakini readers, it is déjà vu.

The police routinely resorted to the Internal Security Act to raid the private residence of citizens. That is nothing new, and sadly, no longer shocking to Malaysians. This time however it is the home of a respected editor. After the public debacle over the Malaysiakini raid two years ago, we would have thought the police would be more circumspect. They never learn!

A benign take on this episode would be to assume that it is a case of political grandstanding ahead of the UMNO General Assembly next Tuesday, July 19th UMNO must regularly demonstrate its prowess against those who may challenge its “Ketuanan Melayu” (Malay Hegemony) obsession, and UMNO’s role as “protector” of the Malay sultans and their subjects.

Hollowness of the Government’s Assurance

A more sinister view would be that this action merely exposes the hollowness of the presumed liberal stance and attitude of the Abdullah Badawi Administration towards open discourse, especially in cyberspace, on matters of public interest. The raid on Malaysiakini made a mockery of the government’s oft-stated commitment to keep the Internet free of official censorship. Malaysia has yet to recover from that blow.

At that time Prime Minister Mahathir took the brunt of the heat for the actions of members of the xenophobic UMNO Youth even though the action was initiated by Abdullah Badawi’s Internal Security Ministry. We commented on the folly of UMNO Youth’s action and the immaturity of its leadership. Our hard-hitting commentary angered many in the movement including some who were our friends. Nonetheless, we did it because we believe that it is unhealthy to censor dissenting views and opinions. Such actions also damage Malaysia’s image.

Robust public debates are the essence of democracy. Further, such clumsy and bumbling attempts at censorship and control are futile in this age of the Internet. You could no more control the flow of information than you could atmospheric flow. The communist rulers of China and the mullahs in Iran have tried, and both failed. When the police closed the case against Malaysiakini, we thought that there would be no more raids of this nature. We were rudely mistaken.

Raja Petra Kamarudin’s brand of analytical and aggressive investigative journalism is alien to Malaysia, where the reprinting of ministerial speeches and press releases constitutes “newsgathering.” It is no surprise then that the uncensored and independent Internet news portals have been rapidly gaining readership at the expense of the mainstream media.

Two particularly hard-hitting series received wide readership and comments. The first was on corruption in the Negri Sembilan Royal Family, and the second, the meteoric career of Khairy Jamaluddin, trusted advisor and son-in-law to Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. In both, Raja Petra cited names and specific instances.

Both series are practically road maps for the police to investigate. Such expose ahead of the UMNO General Assemby could have devastating political consequences. The police therefore, took the more sycophantic approach by raiding Raja Petra’s home in an effort to please and appease the Minister of Internal Security, who is Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi himself.

Kampong Kisssinger-Lite Wannabe

It is well known that the ambitious Khairy is not popular among certain factions of UMNO. He is feared not because of his talent rather for his being the Prime Minister’s son-in-law. In short, the old familiar Malaysian refrain of “who, not what you know.”

Khairy who did his thesis on Machiavelli at Oxford subscribes to the Florentine’s dictum that it is better for the Prince to “be feared than loved.” Interestingly that too was Henry Kissinger’s doctoral dissertation at Harvard. What we have here is a kampong version of a “Kissinger lite.”

The seizure of Raja Petra’s computers hardly interrupted Malaysia Today’s operations. News articles continued to be posted, and readers were as eager as ever to register their views.

Raja Petra, like all prudent and responsible editors, web operators, and bloggers, must have taken the necessary precautions, like backing up files and having mirror servers elsewhere.

In the battle of ideas, the removal of hardware is a primitive and ineffective strategy. More productive and constructive would be to counter with superior ideas and respond frontally to the criticisms. Indeed later on the same day of the police raid on Raja Petra, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi preached the same message in a speech to the Mass Media Conference organized by his own Ministry of Internal Security. In it, he chastised the mainstream media for their sensationalism and at the same time admonished government officials who could not tolerate public criticisms. He should have done the same thing for his cabinet colleagues and fellow Barisan Nasional politicians.

Alas that was vintage Abdullah Badawi at his best, good only at preaching. He has been dispensing homilies ad nauseam ever since he took over the country’s leadership. He is, as one of my readers put it colorfully, “lebai pantai ratit saja.” (A rabbi good only at chanting!”) If Abdullah had written that speech himself, then he should be the first to heed his own advice. If, as more likely, that it is the handiwork of Khairy Jamaluddin, then he (Khairy) should be the first to heed his own message.

If this raid was merely political grandstanding, then we feel sorry for Raja Petra and his family who had to bear the terrible burden. The only consolation is that this annual circus that is the UMNO General Assembly will be over by the end of next week. If this raid portends a sinister shift in public policy, then we feel sorry for the whole nation.

* Din Merican is Senior Research Fellow with the Phnom Penh-based Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace. This is his personal commentary.

DEMOCRACY AT WORK IN MCA AT LAST!

Exchanges with Din Merican

Dear Bakri:

At last I have something good to write about our country!

Last week, Dato Chua Jui Meng, known among his close friends and associates here as Jimmy, surprised local political pundits by announcing that he would challenge the incumbent President, Dato Seri Ong Kah Teng, Minister of Housing and Local Government, in the August 2005 MCA Party Elections. As you remember, Ong was appointed to lead the party by the outgoing president, Tun Ling Leong Sik. There was no party election at that time; this was all part of a deal brokered by former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir. The arrangement also included the appointment of Dato Seri Chan Kong Choy as the Deputy President, to satisfy the followers of the incumbent Deputy President Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek, another important faction within the party.

Chan was part of the then so-called Team B during the Presidency of Tun Ling. Chan is now part of Ong’s team. I understand that there was an attempt to ask Chua to stand for the No.2 post with assurances that he would win against Chan. It is indeed astute on Chua’s part not to take the bait. He chose instead to go for broke by challenging the top position in the interest of MCA and its members. I congratulate him for this very bold move, and wish both him and Ong well in a clean and decisive contest for the party’s top leadership.

Democracy has at last come to MCA! It is setting the example for other component parties within Barisan Nasional, in particular UMNO, to emulate. I hope that the forthcoming MCA elections will be transparent, without “phantom voters.” If the elections were fair, then I believe the outcome is too close to call at this time.

The reason? Chua issued his manifesto on July 7, 2005 titled, “New Politics – New Vision – New MCA.” This is interesting in the sense that it has never done before in MCA, if my memory is correct. Again, I praise him for sharing his vision for MCA with the party members and the Malaysian public. The world at large can now read and ponder over his views as the manifesto is posted on his website www.chuajuimeng.com.

Chua appeals to the party’s central delegates to use this opportunity to “determine the type of leadership and direction” MCA needs in the 21st Century. A party manifesto is essentially a road map. It enables a candidate to share his vision and future plans on such issues as politics, economics, education and culture. Without the manifesto, the membership cannot judge and hold its President accountable for his promises. The party would be like a boat floating on the wide ocean without any sense of direction or knowledge of where it is heading. Chua realizes the value of his manifesto as the pillar of MCA in the years to come.

Yet it is amazing to note that reaction of the incumbent President Ong to Chua’s innovation was to simply state that he (Ong) does not issue any manifesto. He is implying that members can understand his thoughts and program by reading his mind! He is asking them to put their blind trust in his leadership. That is feudalism incarnate! There is no way to measure a leader’s performance if he or she is not open and transparent. Already many in the grassroots, though not with the central delegates, are asking what Ong has achieved for the party since taking over from Tun Ling Leong Sik.

Chua’s manifesto seeks to “set new directions for our community within the wider aspirations and goals of Vision 2020, a vision for a developed Malaysian nation….” His political agenda is to build a strong MCA that can contribute in a more meaningful and positive way to the continued victory of Barisan Nasional in future elections. MCA must be strong with core values founded on love of and care for the Chinese community as well as fairness, justice, integrity, discipline, courage in their convictions, and tolerance for differences in opinions. We can assume that Chua means a more democratic party with leaders who are clean, committed and capable. MCA has to earn the respect of the Chinese community. The people’s welfare is intertwined with that of the party. MCA seeks to represent the Chinese community. As I see it, a strong and confident MCA is an asset to the Barisan Nasional coalition. It is after all a partnership of equals, led by UMNO. Part of Chua’s strategy is to build a strong party by involving and engaging the increasingly educated young as well as tapping the wisdom and experience of the party elders.

Chua’s economic agenda starts with a statement that “Economics is without a doubt one of the areas closest to the heart of the Malaysian Chinese.” It is rightly so, as it is the engine that drives every other sphere in society. I expect to see many concrete programs with Chua’s presidency of the MCA. He promised a Master Plan within his first year, to be formulated by the community, NGOs, and the best and brightest minds within the country and abroad.

Chua’s education and culture agendas are also interesting. He is committed to excellence in education. He wants it to produce minds that can explore, adapt and be creative as well as “to continually learn and grow in a dynamic global environment of continuous and rapid change.” Chua’s aspirations are consistent with Vision 2020 and existing national policies and programs. In this sense, he is not advocating something new. Instead, he brings his community’s hopes and aspirations into sharper focus. He based his cultural agenda on the need to strengthen the Chinese identity. A community that is proud of its history, heritage and tradition is vital for a strong and developed nation.

Chua’s manifesto reflects the concerns and wishes of the Chinese community. The nation should seek to accommodate them within our national programs. The time has come for the rest of the country to recognize and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of the Chinese community in Malaysia’s development since independence.

The next President of MCA must be able to have the full support of his community so that he can represent their views and concerns in the national dialogue to build a united Malaysian community. This will require suaveness, patience, diplomacy and strategic compromise. We should leave the MCA body politic to make its choices between the incumbent president with no expressed strategy and his challenger who has presented a manifesto that is all embracing and comprehensive.

By ensuring that its forthcoming party election in August 2005 will be clean and transparent, and by offering its members clear viable choices for the leadership position, MCA will be leading our country into a new era of democratic party contestations where the best man can win. That could only be good for our country.

Sallam,

Din Merican

UMNO’s Leaders for the 21st Century

Din Merican

The esteemed UMNO President informed Malaysians that since the dateline of April 18, 2005 had past, UMNO would not entertain further reports of Money Politics. As a result of this decision taken by UMNO’s Supreme Council, those who competed with Isa Samad during the last UMNO elections are clear of the danger from being investigated and hauled up before the Disciplinary Board chaired by UMNO elder statesman, Tengku Ahmad Rithauddin, to answer charges of party level corruption. Maybe it is true that they have no grounds to answer. Otherwise, there would have been plenty of complaints against them. To them, I suppose, one must give them the benefit of the doubt.

Sarcasm aside, what does this mean? I guess, it means that UMNO is now free from the scourge of “politik wang” just as our country is now also free from corruption after Eric Chia and Kasitah Gadam were hauled into the courts.

The Royal Police Force too is cleared of corruption, because we now have the Royal Commission Report that had nothing significantly negative to say of the performance of the Force. With that Report completed, the Police can rest easy, wait for more perks and benefits, and conduct business as usual.

More importantly, it means that the UMNO President possesses awesome political power that he can use against his “enemies” and keep others in the party in check. As Prime Minister, he can use the ISA, the ACA, and other instruments of his Office. This is, of course, not new.

The difference is that Abdullah’s immediate Mahathir was more open in the exercise of his power. He did not have to hide behind some glorified pretense. One always knew where one stood with him. He used power to maintain stability and get things done. He also ensured that the country continued to grow and prosper. I admired the man for his convictions. He never claimed to be a democrat. He was an authoritarian leader who actively and openly promoted “Asian Values.” Malaysians and Asians must be led by strong leaders.

The new man promotes “Civilizational Islam,” talks about “cemerlang, gemilang and terbilang” and civil service excellence, and champions good governance. At the same time, he treats the economy with benign neglect, and dreams of a prosperous future. He claims to lay the foundation for the long-term future. As Lord Keynes said, “in the long run we are all dead.” Abdullah must now act and stop messing around. If he can do that, he will redeem himself, and restore his credibility.

To his diehard supporters, it is “Hurray!” for Badawi, the man who rid the party and country of corruption by his simply waving the magic wand. All UMNO Presidents and Prime Ministers in Malaysia before him had done that. Abdullah has done this “noble act” to save UMNO and our country from further embarrassment, for which we the Malays who support UMNO must be beholden to him.

Unfortunately, his magic wand cannot remove the stain of corruption. What he did was to confirm that UMNO, the foremost national and oldest political party representing the Malays, is corrupt to the core. Prior to this, people who charged that UMNO is corrupt were accused of speculating. Now it is crystal clear that UMNO is corrupt.

Bakri, I must admit that you were right. I was naive to be excited when I first heard the news that Isa Samad had been nabbed, found guilty, and then asked to resign from all party positions for blatantly violating UMNO’s “code of ethics,” and for bribing delegates in order to secure the highest votes for his Vice President post.

I had expected a purge of the party at various levels. Now it looks like that is no longer the case. I am wondering how long I can continue to put my faith in the man who had received such a strong mandate in the last election. My hat’s off to his spinmeisters for their skills in creating this grand illusion, but in the end substance matters.

Best wishes, Din.

June 24, 2005

Dear Bakri:

Once touted by local political pundits and observers as the man to watch after his stunning victory in the last Party Elections, Tan Sri Isa Samad has fallen from grace following the guilty verdict by the UMNO Disciplinary Board yesterday. In the party’s election, he garnered the highest number of votes in the race for one of the posts of Vice President

He faced nine charges, all related to “money politics,” and was suspended for six years pending an appeal. Also suspended were his Political Secretary, M. Salim Sharif (for three years), Raub Division and Pahang ExCo member, Dato Shahiruddin Abdul Moin (also three years), and Pandan (KL) Division Deputy Chief Jamaluddin Ropa (two years), all on the same “money politics” charges.

In addition, Dato Shahrir Jalil, Lembah Pantai Division Chief and brother of Minister of Women Affairs Dato Shahrizat Jalil, was suspended for three years for contravening the party’s code of ethics during the same election. Our good friend, Dato Zaid Ibrahim, was also suspended for three years for his outburst against the Disciplinary Board. This may be a bit harsh on the face of it, I thought. He also received a warning over money politics, probably due to the lack of solid evidence to punish him.

It is tragic that Isa Samad, who entered politics by joining UMNO at the age of 23 in 1972, will see the end of his illustrious career with his supporters drifting away from him in droves seeking new patrons. Such is the nature of politics. A six-year suspension is like forever in politics. He has the right to appeal, but it would take a diehard optimist at this time to think that the UMNO Disciplinary Board, which comprises some of the well-known and respected Malay legal brains in our country, will reverse its guilty verdict. Would the UMNO President intervene in this matter, and grant Isa a reprieve? Not likely, in my view.

It is quite obvious to me that there is now an ongoing purge within UMNO to clean its image ahead of its July General Assembly. It is a fact that some UMNO top leaders and others down the line have been flouting the party rules in their quest for political power and the financial benefits associated with such power. Tun Mahathir unfortunately allowed this to get out of control.

The actions taken by the present UMNO leadership could not have come at a better time, given efforts by PAS to remake itself as a progressive and liberal party that would appeal to all Malaysians and with an agenda for clean, open and transparent Government. PAS is trying to steal Pak Lah’s agenda. UMNO’s latest move has stalled the pace of PAS resurgence momentarily.

How far down this cleansing exercise will go remains to be seen. At least one can say to the credit of Pak Lah that he has finally taken drastic action against elements within his party who engage in money politics. This house cleaning exercise will enable him, I hope, to be tough on corruption and abuses of power by those in positions of public trust. This is still rampant in our country. It will also strengthen his hand over the party, and enable him to put competent people who are not tainted by money politics in his team.

It would appear that a cabinet reshuffle is now imminent. My guess is that it will be after the July UMNO General Assembly and the MCA Party Elections in August, 2005. Let us hope Pak Lah will be able to put in place a cabinet that can truly support his agenda for the nation. This will be his second chance, having squandered the first. He must use it to leave his imprint of a clean and accountable government. He must have a team that we all can be truly proud of, and one which is ready to help him tackle the economic and social challenges facing our country today.

As you know, you and I have been very critical of his perceived inaction over the last twenty or so months. We may remain skeptical. At least Pak Lah has made a fresh beginning by first cleaning up UMNO and restoring its image as the foremost Malay national party. UMNO is the force behind the successful Barisan Nasional Government which has managed our country since Independence.

Regards,

Din Merican
———–
Dear Din:

Yes, I too read the news, but I am withholding the plaudits.

I am glad this Isa is out. Yes, Mahathir handpicked him as a promising star way back then. I did not share Mahathir’s enthusiasm then, and events have proved that my assessment is correct. Maybe Isa has been in power for too long and succumbed to the temptations of his office, like all the others. Or he thought that the loot was his due, this too is just like the others! His legacy in Negri Sembilan (NS) is nothing to shout about, or more correctly, simply nothing.

On a personal point, when Mahathir was considering Isa to be the chief minister of my state, there were two other top contenders. Both were my classmates at Tuanku Muhammad School, Kuala Pilah. Both were excellent, smart, and more importantly, politically adroit with the kampong folks. They had their ears to the ground. Either of the two would have been a great MB. Instead, Mahathir opted for Isa. Mark that down as another negative for Mahathir, his poor talent-spotting ability. I elaborated on this deficiency of Mahathir in my first book.

I was so excited by the prospect of my classmate becoming MB that I wrote him that I would return to Malaysia to help him out. That was how much faith I had in his talent and ability.

Pak Lah’s move is politically inspired and crooked, not shrewd. Remember when Isa received the highest number of votes, the pundits were saying that it was a rebuke to Pak Lah by the delegates. Isa is not viewed as being in Pak Lah’s camp. This is just another sly trick to ease Isa and others like him out. If Isa were to protest too much, then Pak Lah would threaten to refer him to the Anti Corruption Agency (ACA).

Where did Isa get all that money to buy the votes? Money politics is corruption, plain and simple. He should be referred to the ACA. Watch it, if Isa were to play his cards right, he may be rewarded with an ambassadorship to Fiji!

This is just another sly way for Pak Lah to remove those not in his camp in preparation for the UMNO election. I am sure Najib is not too pleased with this development.

While the process stinks (it smacks of selective prosecution), I approve of the result. What I worry is that Pak Lah will be tempted to use this crooked process on others and the result may not be to our liking.

Pak Lah is a former civil servant, slow and methodical. He is a firm believer in the incremental approach. It will not work. Malaysia needs “shock therapy” to shake UMNO and the nation to its core. Anything less will be viewed as weakness. Mahathir succeeded because he made a quick moves in the beginning. Pak Lah will never regain his momentum.

In short, I do not share your enthusiasm with this recent development. Pak Lah will have to show more. It will be more difficult because he started late, but I wish him; so should the nation.

Sallam,

Bakri

May 25, 2005

Dear Bakri:

Please see my comments below re: your Islamic State essay. My advice is not to get caught in this Islamization politics of UMNO and PAS.

You cannot be a “unifier” because of the nature of our politics, especially Malay politics due to the UMNO/PAS and KeADILan divide. We badly need a very strong leader who can put a stop to this politics of division and who can prepare us for the challenges of globalization. Religion is a form of escape because we are basically insecure and not ready to face the challenges of a secular world (that is, the real world, and we Malays must thrive in it).

To me it does not matter if you should sound divisive. The message is important and a strong one at that. We must not allow UMNO a free hand to make pronouncements without dialogue and debate with its coalition partners and members of civil society (NGOs like Sisters in Islam, Suaram, et. al).

We must encourage these sleeping partners in BN to wake up from their stupor and speak their minds. UMNO must listen to the NGOs before it is too late and we would have a repeat of May 13, 1969. Indian and other non-Muslim leaders in BN must also speak up now. How long do you think Malaysians can keep mum before they implode?

My second point is that there are already too many laws. The Badawi Administration is the epitome of bureaucratization. Malaysia is now run by committees and commissions. It is legislation after legislation and review after review, leading to utter confusion and loss of investor confidence. This will go on unless the PM is firm.

Abdullah Zin and Mashitah, two new politicians in the Prime Minister’s Department, are merely grandstanding ahead of the July UMNO General Assembly. They are not thinking of the country but their own popularity and political advantage. How do we deal with such types when you have a leader like Badawi?

My third point is that UMNO’s Islamization has gone astray; they are clueless and caught in their own game, with PAS gaining the upper hand. PAS is looking more liberal and tolerant, thus gaining the hearts and minds of not only the Malays but also disgruntled non-Muslims. This is dangerous because the PAS leopard does not change its spots.

Islamization has serious implications for our country and the region. Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew is concerned that Malaysia (he did not mention Indonesia!) might one day be ruled by Islamists. I hope he is wrong, but at the rate we are going, he may be right.

I think you should not focus on making just laws. We should have a moratorium on new laws and instead fix the problems of an already divisive nation. Unity is fundamental because we are a plural society. Go back to the Malaysian Constitution.

You should start your piece with your last paragraph, but do not mention Islamic state. We need good governance, and keep religion separate from politics. George Bush for example does not understand this when he embraced the Christian Right Movement. UMNO’s Islamization policy has failed because the party fell into a trap set by PAS in the 1980s. Anwar Ibrahim let UMNO down badly on this. He was not interested in the future of our country, only in power for himself.

We should become more liberal in dealing with social issues, with justice for all, including women and minorities. We should stop sucking up to the conservative ulamas. For God’s sake, we are in the 21st century.

Regards,
Din Merican
——————
June 12, 2005

Dear Bakri,

I was at The Starbucks Coffee House, AmCorp Mall, Petaling Jaya, this afternoon and overheard a conversation between four young Malaysians (a Chinese and three Indian university students). They were discussing your “Christian Clobber” article which appeared in today’s The Sun Daily.

They said that Dr. Bakri had an easy style of writing and conveyed his message simply, clearly and directly. “We students can understand him and see the drift of his arguments. He presented his views logically and sometimes in a very amusing way.” But the point was, they continued, that Dr. Bakri made a lot of sense!

“Islam is basically very simple, and it is the basis of the laws for Muslims. In Malaysia whatever the Fatwa Council and state religious departments do also affect us, and our relationship with our Muslim friends and their relationship with us. Our friends and classmates are so up tight now. Semua tak boleh.” [Everything is forbidden!]

They went on to talk about the Malaysian proclivity for labels, instead of real substance. They quoted Islam Hadhari as an example. “If, as Dr Bakri said, Islam is progressive, then this new label is not helping non-Muslims, and confusing the Muslims. Is this another sect like the now defunct group by a certain Ustaz Azahari?” they asked aloud.

Furthermore, they felt sorry for Malaysian Malays who were being told by their UMNO leaders, ulamaks, PAS politicians, Tablighs from Pakistan, Wahhabis from Saudi Arabia and other groups to “follow in their paths.”

All religions are about being moral, tolerant and doing good; but why, they asked, should the Malays be Muslims in a particular way? And if they do not conform, they would be branded as infidels, or worse, apostates.

Here I am reminded of Ziauddin Sardar’s book, Desperately Seeking Paradise, where the author related his experiences with the Tabligh Groups in the United Kingdom. Dr Sardar’s encounters were interesting as well as disturbing.

On corruption, they said, that the Badawi Government is not serious about it. The police will remain corrupt no matter what because the culture is deeply entrenched. The public will not come forward because they are not protected if the corrupt were exposed. Due process is time consuming, as in the Eria Chia corruption case. So they asked themselves a simple question: “If we wanted to cooperate, who do we report to?” They answered rhetorically: “To the Anti-Corruption Agency? That organization is a toothless tiger!!”

They came to the conclusion which is that “we can try to make laws, even just laws, but who is just and honest enough to enforce them. Everything can be fixed in Malaysia as long as you know who to deal with.”

This conversation which I overheard while sipping coffee tells me that the young generation is aware of the problems they face in modern Malaysia, but they are quite helpless to do anything about them.

Best regards,

Din Merican
—————-

June 8, 2005

Dear Din and Pat:

Thank you for both your kind comments. As usual, I find them very stimulating. Unfortunately you both confirm my worse suspicion of Malaysia. I had wished that I was wrong or misinformed!

I am now at a chapter entitled “Islam: Problem or Solution?” in my latest book. I am trying very hard to have a positive outlook and that what we have portrayed is not pre-ordained and that we can change things. With all the current development it is hard to be positive, but I am determined to find that ray of hope! Indeed I cover in my chapter the points you raised.

The reason non-Muslims are not partaking in this Islam debate is that they have concluded that although they would be impacted by the outcome, it would not be as much as liberal Malays. So they cop out and let the liberal Malays fight it out. Pat, you are the rare exception, as usual! Thank God! Most non-Malays are too scared to be tarred as “anti-Islam.” That would not be career enhancing!

However, the greatest loser in this unnecessary battle would be Islam and of course the Malay community. Islam is a great faith and had withstood far greater challenges like the Mongols. So I am not concerned. For Malays however, that is a different story.

However when I see the potential that Islam can play in Malaysia and the region, I get my adrenalin rushing again!

Din, I will finish the first draft of my book by year’s end, Insha’ Allah!

Bakri

On Being A True Malaysian: More Readers’ Responses

[Letters are arranged from the most recent]
Dear HC:

Ethnicity and religion are here to stay, but we have to find ways and means to seek common grounds for unity, and use diversity as our strength. To me nothing is more damaging and dangerous than this “us” versus “them” mindset, and using religion or any other means for differentiation. That benefits no one in Malaysia, except the politicians (in the short term to get elected and stay in power).
I often look back nostalgically to those days in 1950s and 1960s when I used to go, eat and sleep in the homes of my Chinese and Indian friends without fear of being “contaminated.” Their parents were always sensitive that I was a Muslim; they bought halal chicken and meat, and never cooked and served pork when I was their guest. I did not have to proclaim, “I am a Muslim,” as they understood and respected who I was.
My friends also used to stay at my place. There was plenty of mutual understanding and tolerance. We studied together, exchanged notes and had discussions. But my friends and I also competed in school, to be the best in our studies and in sports. We readily acknowledged who among us emerged as the champions.
Today we seem to be divided because wittingly or unwittingly, religion has become part of national politics. The British used our ethnicity to isolate us, under their “Divide and Rule” strategy, and kept us as separate communities with different economic functions. After 1969, Tun Razak emphasized national unity by making the eliminating the identification of race with economic function as one of the objectives of the NEP. Today, Malays are in business just as the Chinese and Indians. Of course, more work needs to be done to create a viable Bumiputra Industrial and Commercial Community, especially after the 1997-1998 economic crisis.
In the 1980s, the Malays were caught in the global resurgence of Islam, precipitated by the Iranian Revolution (1979). Islam became part of our politics, for which UMNO (Anwar Ibrahim in particular) and PAS ought to bear some responsibility. The MCA, MIC and other parties in the Barisan coalition were also responsible, for their apathy permitted these Islamists to exert major influence in our politics. Now we are in the era of contentious politics. That worries me a lot.
So I am wondering whether we have become entrapped by the “British trick” except we are using religion (since in the case of the Malays, Islam is synonymous with Malayness) to keep us apart. We should get back to Rukun Negara principles. Our education system should seek to promote integration, not assimilation). We need a sense of common destiny. This is vital.
I could be entirely wrong in my analysis. I welcome your take.
Best regards,
Din Merican
—————————

Hey friends (S, HC, O and S in particular):

I agree that the best way for us to have an informed discussion is to avoid making broad, unsubstantiated claims. As we all share a common goal in finding solutions to the pressing and contentious issues in Malaysia, let us proceed in a manner that seeks to promote better understanding of the issues without unnecessarily speculating.
While personal anecdotes and experiences might be helpful, we should be careful not to extrapolate and extend them to explain issues in their entirety.
As you mentioned, the twin prongs of the NEP were to reduce poverty and to eliminate the identification of race with economic function. We cannot deny that considerable progress has been made in terms of the second objective (compare the figures in 1957-1970 and 1970-2000):

Clerical & related occupations: 1970 2000
Malays 35.4% 56.8%
Chinese 45.9% 32.9%
Administrative and managerial occupations
Malays 24.1% 37%
Chinese 62.9% 52.3%

Another way of looking at employment shifts is to look at the proportion of Malays in various sectors. In 1970, 62.3% of Malays were involved in agriculture; in 2000, only 21.5%.
In terms of the first objective, progress has been made too (although some might argue that poverty levels were reduced because of economic growth rather than state policies, while others might dispute the poverty measurement method). The poverty level in 1970 was 49.3%; 1990, 7.5%; 2002, 5.1%.
We should perhaps focus on some of the negative consequences of NEP (rise in intra-ethnic disparities as opposed to inter-ethnic disparities, and the growing sense of entitlement) rather than the successes of the policy in achieving its stated objectives.
As for private sector employment, employers’ hiring standards are not based on qualifications alone. Chinese are often overrepresented in SMALLER companies because these companies frequently employ family members or recruit new trainees through informal channels on the basis of kinship. In certain companies, the socialization process is easier when workers of the same ethnic group are recruited, hence reinforcing the pattern of ethnic-based employment. In certain industries, knowledge of Mandarin and Chinese dialects is required to communicate with suppliers and clients, and educational qualifications are of less importance.
I do not necessarily believe, for the reasons mentioned above, that a fair national policy would reduce this clannishness. Historical and cultural barriers (we can thank the British) have created ethnically segmented markets that persist even as gaps in educational qualifications between ethnic groups are reduced.
Such sweeping generalizations as private sector employment being dominated by non-Bumiputra are ill-advised. Employment policies of LARGER non-Bumi corporations are monitored by the authorities and there are annual reports that have to be submitted detailing the ethnic composition of the workforce. Due to pragmatic considerations, positions at ALL levels have increasingly been filled by Malays over the years. It might interest you that in the finance industry for example, pressure from the central bank to increase Bumi employment at every level led to a competition for competent Bumi top management that “Bumiputera senior managers and technical professionals could command an economic rent of 20 to 50 per cent because of the short-term supply shortage” (Birks and Hamzah, 1988). This implies that the lack of Bumis at higher level positions is not due solely to discriminatory policies, which brings me to my next point, the claim that Malays do not secure significant professional positions in non-Bumi companies.
This can partly be explained by company policies where upward mobility is largely internal. In order to recoup the costs of training, companies prefer to limit hiring at mid-level positions and then allow employees to rise through the ranks. This strategy also helps prevent high turnover rates that could be to the company’s detriment.
A considerable number of Malays have only started to acquire industry skills recently (previously they were content with public sector employment due to the expansion of that sector in the 70s and early 80s – from 22 state-owned enterprises in 1960 to 1014 in 1985. They eventually collapsed due to inefficiency and massive losses. Thus they have limited role in preparing Malays for higher level employment in the private sector.
Let us examine the assertion that large non-Bumi corporations have been happily riding the tide of their own profitability at the expense of the poor and needy Bumiputras. How else should non-Bumi corporations respond to state policies that blatantly favor Bumis if these corporations do not collaborate with their Malay counterparts? Do you really think that the “poor and needy Bumiputras” would gain access to the contracts if those “Ali-Baba” partnerships were disbanded? Foreign firms would probably be the main beneficiaries of any reform (think about the Japanese firms who heavily profited from the Look East Policy in the 80s).
I am not denying that some people have excelled by overcoming whatever obstacles in their way. I am merely saying that similar to Bumiputera tycoons, most of the non-Bumi ones did not compete on a level playing field (as they received monopoly rights, concessions, subsidies, etc.), so they did not really make it “fair and square.”
Best,
B O
—————

Hello BO:

Good reply on the subject so far. It is not erroneous that Bumi participation in non-Bumi company is at the polar ends: mainly as directors or office/dispatch boys. This is decided on and dependent upon how much political connection or wealth that particular Bumi has. The rest of the Bumis … well, they just don’t (or very difficult) get significant positions in those companies.
Non-Bumi companies constitute the back bone of Malaysia’s economy. It is the law in Malaysia that non-Bumi companies hire Bumi staff (look at it as a scheme to teach them how to fish). From what we have seen, this law is being mocked by hiring Bumis only for lowly positions, while reserving managerial, professional and executive positions to non-Bumis. In short, S, if he is really from a kampung, with no wealth or political connection, will find it difficult, if not impossible to have a career in such company. Even if he made it pass the entry level, he will encounter a significant amount of discrimination in the workplace. (sorry, no PhD thesis to show you the data for this….but from personal experience and from those who has been there …)
Most Malays (those without wealth or connection) find refuge in companies like Renong, Proton, KLAS, MIMOS, etc.

B————–
Bravo B:

I almost gave up on myopic tunnel vision on the postings. They cannot even continue from or even digest a simple message from Bakri’s posting.
This is where I disagree with Bakri Musa – his assertion that the increase in the costs of projects is due to preferential policy. Bumiputras are not solely to be blamed for this; they do not have a strong grip of the core of the supply chain. The rent seekers among them (which constitute a minority), instead of taking the opportunity to build their business, take the easy route of being merely “proxies” to the non-Bumi companies, which in turn end up doing the bulk of the work and thus reap the bulk of the profit.
If one were to blame the poor and corrupt implementation of this NEP, one has to look at not just the government but also the non-Bumi large corporations that have been happily riding the tide of their own profitability at the expense of poor and needy Bumiputras.
This is just one example on how the Bumi policy has been turned around to benefit the non-Bumis. I have more to say about this issue, and several others, raised in these discussions, but I am to bogged down with work to do any writing. God willing, I will do so in the near future.
Peace
O
—————–

PL:

I think you could be misleading N by putting too much faith in the Malaysian private sector. You ought to be more critical about Malaysian private institutions; they too are heavily dependent on the government. Look at their moribund performance on the KLSE.
The quality of private universities here too is suspect. Malaysian universities, private or public, pale in comparison to Harvard, Stanford or Yale. To me, the ownership of a university is not relevant. I know of some state universities in the US that are as good, for example, Michigan and the University of California. It is the culture of the institution that matters to me.
We must be frank about the prevalent culture of mediocrity and conformity (bodekism) here in Malaysia. N deserves some help. He wants to come back; that is laudable, but he has some reservations. I have written him expressing a view which may sound unpatriotic.
On balance, N should stay in the US to get more experience before returning home. Nothing is more dangerous that a young man who is disillusioned with the system.
There have been numerous instances where brilliant scientists who answered our government’s call to return home and contribute; and they have been disappointed. I know a few who have come back and have now gone elsewhere including nearby Singapore. Dr. Bakri Musa too has similar experience (please read his book, The Malay Dilemma Revisited). Of course, there is no publicity in the press about the fate of Malaysian expats.
Regards,
Din Merican
—————-

Dear S and HC:

It is erroneous to say that non-Bumi companies are willing to take Bumis only as drivers for the CEO unless you are trying to convince me that drivers make up 20-30percent of the workforce. In that case, almost every company staff member (including the tea lady and office boy) would be chauffeur-driven. Unlike traditional paternalistic family firms, most of the large organizations that you mentioned have Bumiputeras in high-level positions. Here are a few examples:

YTL directors: YB Dato’ (Dr) Yahya bin Ismail, YB Mej Jen (B) Dato Haron bin Mohd Taib, Syed Abdullah bin Syed Abd Kadir
Berjaya directors: Tan Sri Datuk Abdul Rahim Bin Haji Din, Dato Suleiman Bin Mohd Noor, Dato Hj Mohd Yusoff bin Jaafar, Mohd Zain bin Ahmad, Dato Mohd Annuar Bin Zaini
Genting deputy chairman: Tun Mohammed Hanif bin Omar

Many of the successful Chinese and Indian entrepreneurs in Malaysia have not been immune to the system of political patronage. Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that a substantial number of non-Bumi tycoons have benefited from crony capitalism and inefficient rent-seeking behaviors.
Best,
B
—————
Dear HC:

Our system can be better and fairer. To me, helping the Malays does not mean that we must deny other citizens the chance to enter university, or to sacrifice the quality of our education system. Both are not mutually exclusive. Malays need help, but they should never misuse the system and waste taxpayers’ money (non Malays too pay taxes and lots of it!!).
University education should be for those who can satisfy a set of academic criteria which must be applied as impartially as it is possible. In addition to the usual academic criteria, there must be a means test in the award of scholarships. The rich or well connected Malays, for example, must start paying for their children’s university education and not get a free ride because of their special status. Those who are given loans to further their education at university must pay back to free resources for others. That is the duty and commitment of the borrowers.
Academic brilliance is not the monopoly of any single race. There must be equal opportunity. America is a good example of upward mobility based on merit. People there have a chance to live the American dream through hard work and grit, as N C and Dr. Bakri Musa will tell you.
I am sure Dr. Bakri will respond to all the e-mails he has received on his True Malaysian article. I am glad that Dr Bakri has the courage to pen his thoughts on what is obviously a very contentious topic. You should visit his website www.bakrimusa.com.
Best regards,
Din Merican
———————

Dear All:
I believe one should take a look at the whole big picture, not only at the academic point of view (which is just a small part of the world) but from the business, trading and commerce perspectives.
First, the number of Bumiputera is more than non-Bumiputera, so obviously positions held or space allocated in the university to Bumiputera will definitely be more. Why is there injustice that if allocation is based on the race ratio? Look at the tycoons in business: Genting, Sunway Group, Thai Thong, timber tycoons, YTL group, property tycoons, all Chinese; while Maxis and Astro are Indian. I notice that none of these organizations willingly take a Malay or Bumiputera in their organization, except as a driver to the CEO. This is a fact. The managers in these organizations hire their own kind.
There are many Chinese tycoons even though they are not well educated, but they are tycoons nonetheless. My friend’s father-in-law is a timber tycoon, and my ex-secondary classmate married nephew of YTL Group and had her wedding at Marriot Hotel, a grand wedding. Some Malays just have their wedding by the roadside with tents.
These large non-Bumi organizations which dominate the economy should give a helping hand to those poorly-educated Bumiputeras, by hiring them, or perhaps sponsor them. The NEP is necessary to close the income gap between Bumis and non-Bumis. If the government does not do anything about it, it will only get worse. The whole nation cannot move forward and be a developed country because there are people who are left behind and be a drag on the economy. We have to see the big picture.
I am glad that you have a sense of belonging to Malaysia, and maybe you can use your doctorate to help the poor people in Malaysia and reduce the income gap and eventually abolish the NEP.
SA
————–

Dear N:

The key to returning home is to be in the private sector. How, I do not know. The private sector is vibrant back home.
Perhaps the way to reform higher education is through strengthening private institutions. Consider the fact that Stanford, as well as Harvard, Yale and most of the top institutions in the States are private. The key is to have private universities as well as research institutions that can get government funding.
Let us discuss how this would be possible.
P—————-

Dear Dr. Bakri:
I would like to comment on your article. Your thesis is that non-Bumiputera (henceforth NB) do not “feel like true Malaysians” because they are denied special privileges. I believe this thinking is flawed.
I hope to return to my home country on finishing my doctorate here. I am not too concerned about the financial impact of returning (with at best an 80 percent pay differential even adjusted for cost-of-living disparity), nor the fact that I will not be able to do the kind of work that interests me because the industry in Malaysia is insufficiently developed for the kind of technical work I enjoy. What concerns me greatly is that I will not be able to contribute my skills and (mediocre) talent to the progress of our country. I fear the skin ceiling, of not being able to make an impact and be given significant responsibility commensurate with my abilities, thus invalidating my reason for returning.
I believe many NBs currently residing abroad share my apprehension. The roots of our concern lie not in policies that promote the advancement of Bumiputeras, instead in the propagation of policies and ideas that tout the idea of dominance (Kedaulatan/Ketuanan Melayu).
Let me start with an example in our local universities. We all know the famous Terrence Gomez and K.S. Jomo case. Let us disregard them for a moment and look at the organization of our most celebrated institution, University Malaya. Of 12 departments, there are only 2 NB deans, one Indian and one Chinese. Similar numbers persist for Assistant Deans and other academic positions. Such a trend exists for nearly every local public university. I do not believe that there is any NB Chancellors or Vice Chancellors of local public universities (I may be wrong).
I really struggle to believe that there is such a disparity in academic prowess and/or administrative ability that there is not more representative distribution of responsibilities. Does this race-based provision in our local public universities do anything to advance the lot of Bumiputeras? Some might argue that they serve the same function as the rise of the Bumiputera business technocrat in the 1990s, that of role-model and inspiration. Of course, I fail to see how this idea holds water. How does the appointment into an important academic position of someone with little research productivity save a doctorate from, say, Kalamazoo State, inspire the next generation of Bumiputera academicians?
The same argument applies to most of our local institutions. There are some who explain the lack of NB participation in the civil service and other non private-sector institutions as an example that NBs are not interested in serving the nation and are only concerned with making money. That argument disgusts me. I firmly believe that it is not the lack of patriotism that prevents NBs from pursuing such a career, it is the not unfounded conception that one would spend the rest of one’s life doing inconsequential work, not because of one’s ability or lack thereof, but because of policies that promote the idea of dominance, not equanimity.
My point is that we should be careful to appreciate the subtleties of these policies, a point you do not make in your article. We should also recognize that there are both explicit and implicit special privileges, and it is precisely the latter, and not the former, that the majority of the disenfranchised overseas Malaysians despise. I am all for policies, especially in education, that strive to better the lot of Bumiputeras. What I and others fear is the propagation of policies that promote Bumiputera dominance, and that will alienate non-Bumiputeras and prevents them from being true Malaysians. Your article mentions that we should not let others determine our identity as Malaysians. How can we not when these policies have sunk so deeply into our national psyche that they are now not merely edicts, but a culture?
You mentioned that those of us who attend elite institutions or who are otherwise successful despite nongovernmental help, have successfully breached policies of special privileges and thus should not be concerned about these policies as we never needed them anyway (if I read you correctly). As mentioned, we are not immune to the effects of special privileges even though we have thrived despite of it.
Let me end by saying that I do not and never have believed, that Malays want this idea of a rightful dominance. Instead it is a dangerous idea espoused by a few in power and we must not allow it to thrive.
My other point is more personal. Like many others, I have been fortunate to receive substantial financial support from American institutions for my education. When all is said and done, I estimate that the total amount I will have received is in excess of US$400,000. I should owe a far greater debt, and feel more attachment to America for the opportunities which I have been privileged to enjoy, as well as the opportunities which will hopefully await me upon graduation. Yet I irrationally feel, at my heart’s core, a strong attachment to my home country, an infatuation with her and her people that persuades me to sacrifice much in the future in a vainglorious attempt to bring about some good in the country of my birth. However this desire will be for naught if I am convinced that I cannot bring about any progress, and share in the future of my country, despite my best efforts, because of the color of my skin. I believe I am not alone in this, and that many of our country’s best feel the same way. It is this that disillusion, not the 5 percent discount in the purchase of a house given to Bumiputra buyers.
NC
————-

Sdr Bakri,

Assalamu’alaikum,
I was on medical leave for a while after my eye surgery. It went well and I am now recovering fast. Of course I still stick to old rules like avoiding certain foods and to take my beta-carotene tablets, and Chinese medication. I can tell you that I am having my sight back. Thanks to modern technology, but above all, to Almighty God.
I read your article with interest. I have been away from home for about 20 years. I share some, if not all of your views. We have our own complexes: superior, inferior, or other. One thing I do not agree is that someone would forget his or her childhood language. This is something built in, psychologists or linguists will tell you that it is intrinsic, within you. It is not something I will forget even if I live in a remote world for a very long time, I may forget certain technical words, but I will never forget my language. I completely disagree with your Chinese fan.
I have studied 911 events and talked with Americans on the subject. I would reserve my comments, but the “cave man” is incapable of orchestrating such an event as 911. It was just too complex; it required the cooperation of so many departments and organizations. My own conclusion is contrary to the official story, so our cave man is not the culprit even though I am not a conspiracy theory maniac.
When I was in UK 30 years ago, I was approached by an English man who said to me that we Malays were so privileged. He had been fed that propaganda by many Malaysian Chinese. I asked him what was the ratio of Malay and Chinese students abroad before the NEP? Of course he did not know. Well, it was 1:5 or so in favor of the Chinese.
We all have our own little experiences. Now I am back home I cannot accept this notion of whether you are a “true” or “not true” Malaysian. There is no such thing anyway. Just be a Malaysian, that is all, do not distinguish people by the word “true.” I am a Malaysian alright, there is no “true” in it. Just like we have problems with some members of the Islamic Party (PAS) who say that their Islam is the true Islam, so they are true Muslims, others are not “true” Muslims. Come on, only God can say that.
I am now studying into another big subject of my interest, Kundalini.
So, all the best to you and your family, keep up the good work.
Best regards. Wassalam. Note: If you were to Americanize your name, you should use Moses Baker!
I

Dear Brothers Mushahid and Bakri:

I have just finished reading Kishore Mahbubani’s Beyond The Age of
Innocence (Cambridge, Mass: PublicAffairs, 2005). Although I would
dispute the use of the word “Innocence” when it is used with regard
to US Foreign Policy, I like his overall message.

It is, in my view, an excellent personal tour de force on foreign
policy befitting his standing as one of Singapore’s outstanding
diplomats. Well written in simple and direct English (I did not have
to use the Oxford Dictionary at all) and carefully researched, Kishore
is at his subtle best, balancing the need to be politically proper,
and the need to honestly state his position on US relations with the
rest of the world.

His chapter on “America and Islam” is one of the best I have seen
written and read by a non-Muslim intellectual-scholar on the state of
US relations with the Islamic World. I fully endorse his view that the
US must cultivate relations with the moderate and liberal Islamic
states on a long term basis. Condi Rice should take heed.

Modern and moderate Muslims, and I quote him (page 73)”as follows:

…”want their societies to be economically and politically compatible
with the West [US and Europe, I add], while remaining in social and
spiritual terms true to their Islamic heritage. In short, they want to
trigger both the equivalent of a renaissance and a rationalist
enlightened movement in the Islamic world. They would make ideal
partners with the West. But the West has not helped them. In stead the West has in recent decades helped those who suppress them”. America continues to support repressive regimes in the Middle East, for example.

Countries like Pakistan (it has been used and then ignored by the US too often), Turkey, Indonesia, and Malaysia have been somewhat marginalized because American interests have been diverted elsewhere in the pursuit of its narrow national interest as the remaining sole superpower. America will not broach any competitor. America must learn to be a reliable partner as this is the only way that trust can be built with the rest of the world.

I strongly recommend Kishore’s book to you. Regards, Din

On Being A True Malaysian: Readers’ Responses
[Note: Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity. MBM]

Dear Bakri:
It is a long article, but I will pose some questions.
I am curious at your statement on not extending these privileges to those of other races and restricting them only to poor Bumiputras. Most of the people I know advocate extending assistance to all in need regardless of race. They are not asking for “special privileges,” because they have seen the sinister outcome of nourishing a crutch mentality. If we remove race from all of our policies, that will go a long way to mitigate the animosity that exists among the different ethnic groups today. Note that Bumiputras will still benefit most under this new proposal, if you contend that they are the largest group of the underprivileged, and by corollary they would be the largest recipients of such assistance.
On the question of being able to speak Malay, is it mandatory to be able to speak it for one to be a Malaysian? It would be in your best interest to, but I am not sure that it is a requirement for your “Malaysian-ness.” Much like it is in your best interest to be able to speak Spanish and, alas also English, in California, but it is not mandatory. The question on the minds of many Chinese is, “What do I gain by studying Malay? Would it improve my chance of getting into school, of advancing in government institutions?” The sad fact is that most Chinese have been disillusioned by the reality, so many of them do not care much about studying the language. In no small measure this is a protest to the racial policies.
HC
———-

Dear Bakri:
I tend to agree with HC. I do not think that non-Bumis are asking for special privileges, just equal opportunity based of merits and economic background.
JK
———

Dear Bakri:
That will only happen when race is no longer a consideration in Malaysia. Right now, I’ll just join you, arm in arm, in our dreams.
RL
——–

Dear Bakri:
I think we should also be truthful with ourselves. If “special privileges” is a term applied only to Bumiputras (pardon my ignorance but I cannot be sure that it applies only to them), then let us just face the truth head on and call it “racial discrimination.” I am too, for getting rid of race as a policy and simply providing more assistance to ALL under-privileged people, regardless of race. Then, whether you restrict or extend it is not my concern. The race card is the true Malaysian dilemma, and it need not be so. Underneath our skin, we are all equal in the eyes of God/Allah. I consider that I have Malaysian characteristics, for example, in the kinds of food I enjoy, but I have never considered myself a “true Malaysian” nor do I aspire to be one, whatever that means. I have often imagined what Malaysia would be like if we were all treated equally and fairly as simply Malaysians.
I will continue to pray for such a day to come. You may say that I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one.
Regards,
RL
——-

Dear Bakri:
Quite the contrary, I think when Malaysia has reached the enlightened state of being race-blind, we can freely call ourselves Malaysian or Malaysian-XXX, whatever that suits your fancy. Until then, obliterating your ethnic background will not achieve anything positive, just look at how the Indonesian Chinese are being treated. They speak Indonesian, adopt Indonesian names, even convert to Islam, and what is the result? They are despised and persecuted more for losing their dignity. I say be proud of your heritage and stand up for your rights. The Jews were being persecuted for thousands of years, yet never backed down and forsake their heritage and identity. That’s courage and perseverance.
HC———-
Bakri,
I am glad you stated your points clearly. Being Malaysian is a state of mind. I could be something else, even an American the way an immigrant Pole or Italian is, and it would not have made much difference to me as a person.
In today’s world, one’s nationality is increasingly irrelevant. But I am not suggesting that there is no such thing as being patriotic (which I define as being loyal to one’s country and being willing to put one’s life on the line in defense of the country). My stakes are in Malaysia and I will be loyal to and defend my country. All citizens should.
I am a mixed bag of racial blood (my mom was from Sri Lanka of Tamil descent, my Dad’s father was half Chinese, and my paternal grandmother was a Malay Bugis). I am Malay, my faith is Islam, and I am a Muslim. I have also been labeled a “Mamak.” That is not going to change either as far as I am concerned. Since I was born in Malaya, that made me a Malayan, and when Malaya became Malaysia in 1963, I was classified as a Malaysian, and now I carry a Malaysian passport. If I decide to live in Australia, after a while I can become an Australian. As a citizen of Australia I would defend her as any other Australian. And it would not make any difference as to who am I. I am still a Muslim and a Malay (and a Mamak too!!).
My daughter, 13, is French by nationality because of her French-Cambodian mother, although she was born in Singapore. I never objected to that, and have no regrets. Let us forget about labels. We should no longer worry what others label us, my dear friend.
Your father Allahyarham Pak Musa taught you to have an open mind because he could see the future, although he could not articulate (no one else could) what the 21st century would be like. But Pak Musa acted on his instincts. He molded you to be different and gave you the encouragement and courage to be different. What a difference that has made to you. You are good human being, a Malay, a Muslim, and a successful professional doctor and surgeon. Your Malaysian nationality has not prevented you from living your life the way you saw fit. Even if you were American, you are still a Malay and a Muslim.
Regards,
Din Merican
———

Dear Bakri:
Basically, the question I would like to throw is: How far should we go with the ideal of a race-blind Malaysia?
Two things: We do not need one bland culture or identity to be race-blind; we can celebrate our differences without being prejudiced of one another. That is the sociology textbook definition of NOT being racist. Affirmative action should be abolished not for the sake of the non-Bumis but for the sake of the people who are receiving it. This is only according to the philosophy of teaching the hungry how to fish instead of simply giving them a fish. This has been Dr. Mahathir’s dilemma for a long time. Those waiting for a handout from the government will never learn to be competitive.
Please keep in mind that this is not a problem of one race or culture, it is simply a folly of human behavior. Ironically, I had to leave Malaysia to really begin loving it. You never know what you have till it’s gone!
LZ
———

Dear Dr. Bakri:

Thank you for sharing that. I believe that I am a “child of the universe….” Asking who is more Malaysian is just like asking who is more Muslim. We can also ask: Are you a “true” Malay? We are just born that way.
There have been times when I felt ashamed to be Malay. At times I even wished that I was a mixture of say, Chinese! I would probably have been fairer, cleverer, luckier and better off. But having entered the fifth decade of being “me,” I have no choice but to accept me for being who I am: a Malay, a Malaysian, and a Muslim.
As for my children, I can only hope that they will become even better citizens, having had the advantage of living in several parts of the UK, Ireland and elsewhere. My eldest daughter, K, was born in Cairo 27 years ago, but she is Malay, 100 percent! She married a kampong boy and is expecting a baby sometime in September, God Willing! My eldest son, A, had decided since he was a little boy that he will someday marry a “rich” woman. I do not think race or even nationality has any bearing. My youngest son, AA, aspires to be a neurosurgeon and thinks he will one day marry a “Mat Salleh” lady. My daughter, A, is getting engaged next month to her “Best friend” who looks 90 percent Chinese. His father is a Sabahan-Chinese Muslim convert. They are both reading Medicine in the UK. Oh, my number four, H, has been going steady with his high school sweetheart of Javanese origin.
Back in 1993 when we had to return to Malaysia for good, we were so unhappy. So who can rightly say that you are not a “true” Malaysian? Isn’t there the whole wide world to live and work? If you were not a Malaysian, I do not think that you would even bother to write regularly about our homeland. You have published your very own books. How many of us have done that? We all here are the katak bawah tempurong (frog beneath a coconut shell) while you with your brilliant ideas and suggestions are out there. You perceive things differently. It would not have been the case if you were living here permanently. In your heart, you are STILL a Malaysian, and always will be.
Regards,
M
P.S: I saw some people cutting down the rambutan trees at your late parent’s house recently.
——–

Dear Bakri:

My ideal Malaysia is exactly what the Tourism Department is trying to sell, “Malaysia, the True Asia,” where the different cultures are celebrated. Let Malaysia forms its own identity by way of natural evolution, not with artificial and arbitrary dictation from any group of people.
HC
———

Dear Dr. Bakri Musa:

Interesting article! Here are my thoughts.
On the question of nationality or religion there can be no leeway, either you are a Muslim or you are not; likewise, either you are a Malaysian or you are not. There is no such category as a better Muslim or true Malaysian. What constitutes a better Muslim or a true Malaysian? As long as you subscribe to the five pillars of Islam, then you are a Muslim. Likewise, as long as you carry a Malaysian Identity Card or passport, then you are a Malaysian.
To me the question is best answered by the individual. Am I a Malaysian or am I not? The test is how you feel about your identity. Some are embarrassed to admit that they are Malaysians or Muslims, thus arises the issue of being a true Malaysian or Muslim. If the person carries a Malaysian passport but does not consider himself or herself a true Malaysian, then what nationality is that person? If the person does not feel that he or she is a true Malaysian then I suggest he or she should give up his or her Malaysian citizenship and apply to be the citizen of the country that he or she feels best suited or where he or she can be proud to be identified with.
The other issue is rights versus privileges. All Malaysians have the same rights except some are accorded certain privileges. Not having these privileges does not make a person any less of a Malaysian. To vote and live in Malaysia is a right to all Malaysians; these cannot be withdrawn. Privileges can be withdrawn at any time. The dissatisfaction over privileges will not happen if they are accorded to those deserving and not to those well connected. Take the example of scholarships given to children of ministers. They can well afford the fees and tuition. This is an abuse of the privileges. More importantly such abuses deprive the more deserving students of a chance.
Then there is the issue of implementation. The government needs to clearly delineate the policies of its various departments. We have JPA giving out scholarships and we also have MARA doing the same. We should clearly define that JPA gives scholarships to all deserving Malaysians and let MARA handle only the Malays or Bumiputras. MARA should be like the Bureau of Indian Affairs if you want to take it that far. When you have two government agencies duplicating their efforts then there will be more waste and inefficiency. JPA should offer scholarships based on the population ratio and let MARA take up the slack for Bumiputras or Malays.
To date few have questioned the efforts of MARA to alleviate the economic status of Malays and Bumiputras. Malaysians have accepted the role of MARA in the advancement of Malays and Bumiputras. MARA on the other hand needs to focus on activities that best meet these objectives and refrain from others that are not productive in the furthering those objectives. Currently we have enough colleges under MARA to accommodate Malays in higher education. MARA also needs to realize that there should be meritocracy in accepting Malays for its colleges as well. Not all Malays are college material, and not all Malays need college education. Some are more suited for farming; others are more interested in technical skills and vocational studies. Not everyone should get a degree. When our car breaks down, do we get an automotive engineer to fix it or do we get a mechanic?
Admissions to MARA colleges also flawed. Selection criteria need to be changed and should be based on need rather than demographics. There are more deserving Malays from the rural areas that are deprived of an opportunity to further themselves. I have personally met and interviewed them.
On the subject of merit, top ranking colleges and universities in the US have no problem getting the top SAT and GPA scorers for their freshman class. But through my experience as International Student Advisor and Director of Student Services, these universities would like to have diversity of talent and leadership qualities from their freshman class. The universities know they can deliver a sound education, so the question for them is what can the applicant brings to the campus apart from their academic scores. Usually the Director of Admissions will have the applicant write a short essay on why he/she should be accepted and what skills or special qualities he/she will bring to campus.
Being a Malaysian and living in the US does not make me any less Malaysian. Otherwise why do I pay so much attention to what is going on in Malaysia? Residency does not determine my nationality or my patriotism. I chose the US for both economic reason as well as educational opportunities for my children.
Yes there is a price to pay. Just like you, I have been labeled Melayuka or Malay American. There is a certain amount of envy among Malays but if given the chance, they too will be the first to grab the opportunity to live in the US. There is the other issue of “Malayism” that holds Malays back from venturing abroad en mass, and that is the kampong mentality, the adat and pepatah, and the false sense of security in numbers.
I remember my uncles and aunties saying “Kau nak pergi duduk di Amerika? Macam mana kalau sakit pening? Siapa nak jaga kau?” [You want to live in America? Who is going to take care of you when you are sick?”] My answer is Allah. Allah will take care of me, but under my breath I say that in the US there are hospitals to take of the sick people. Even in Malaysia when we are sick, do our relatives care for us?
This topic is interesting and I can talk or write forever but suffice to say that living in LA has not made me any less of a Malaysian or Muslim.
Wassalam and best regards,
IK