Kepada Hishammuddin Hussein dan Menteri-Menteri MELAYU:

KUASA ADALAH IBARAT SEBILAH PEDANG. JIKA IA SEKADAR DIGILAP, DIPERASAP, DISARUNGKAN DAN DIGANTUNG DI DINDING, BERAPA BANYAK PEDANG PUN YANG ADA, TIADA GUNANYA. TETAPI JIKA SEKALI SEKALA DIGUNAKAN, BIARPUN HANYA UNTUK MEMOTONG SEBIJI MANGGA, MAKA AKAN DIKETAHUILAH TAJAM TUMPULNYA.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Not ready to consider all citizens as Bumiputeras

Once again, the outlawed Hindu Rights Action Force, or Hindraf, appeared to be playing up sensitive issue when M Manoharan come out with an idea - "I want to meet the prime minister to propose that we accord Bumiputera status to all Malaysians born here after August 31, 1957 to dismantle racial barrier."
- Report by barkingmagpie and Rockybru

This is not the first time, political parties or NGO's raise this issue. Last few years, Gerakan call for the Government to give Bumiputera status to all Malaysians born in the country after Independence irrespective of their race or religion.

First of all let me reminds you - The rakyat should be proud that the international community recognised Malaysia as an independent nation capable of infusing itsmulti-racial society with the spirit of unity and tolerance and thereby building a strong foundation for development.

Actually, our country is not ready to consider all its citizens as Bumiputeras, as the Malays are still lagging behind in the economic field. The main stumbling block to atruly one Malaysian race is the fact that there is still economic disparity among the races.Yes! Umno and BN intend to move towards a one Malaysian race, but it is not going to happen in one or two years. The time is not ready yet for such matter to be considered.

Although Umno is for Bumiputeras (including Sabahan), it has always struggled for the interest of all Malaysians. As a result of our struggle, it is not only the Malays that have progressed but the non-Malays, including Indians, have also benefitted.

The matter that Manoharan raise concerning the position of the Malays is sensitive as it is a constitutional issue. All this while, we have been doing well with the present policies. That reflects the fairness of the policies. The non-Bumiputeras are not being left behind.

This is difference, from the privilege given to the Portuguese community to purchase of Amanah Saham Nasional and Amanah Saham Bumiputera units - did not automatically classify them as Bumiputeras. The privilege is a special matter.

And also, a Sabah Chinese whose mother or father is a Bumiputera or who is married to one can apply for Bumiputera status in the State, because this was stated in the State constitution.

We must think widely because there are the pessimists, the optimists and the passive on-lookers when it comes to speaking on or even dealing with issues of national unity but thankfully for Malaysia, there are many who are concerned. It is a concern of not just the government but also individuals and groups of society who not only speak out when they feel people are being side-tracked from a harmonious way of life but go out and organise activities that indirectly foster cooperation and peaceful coexistence of the various communities.

Thankfully for Malaysia, there are people who recognise the need to cherish the peace and harmony in the country by avoiding confrontational and sticky situations.

Thank You
Reminder:
Any constructive criticism and comment that would contribute to fair, frank and informed discussion on this posting to help achieve our national objective will be most appreciated. We need to have more open exchange of ideas on this sensitive but important subject in the context of the national vision and security.

1 comment:

Raj said...

The disparity in economy is still clear although the NEP is there for about 37 years! The policy was constructed based on good will to help POOR malays but most of the advantages are used by the politicians and cronies. As the result, the poor malays are deprived of their rights. What needed is a effective and transparent mechanism to help the POOR malays or POOR bumiputera. As Manoharan said, "name all as Bumiputera but malays right are retained", i don't think it touches the malay right. Actually, i doesn't change anything.