theSun | THURSDAY APRIL 30 2009 13

INTERVIEWS VIEWS

Race relations in Malaysia: The background

Playing the
race card
by KK Tan tives of the NEP, fully understanding
that, if unaddressed, social and eco-
RACE – the final frontier. It’s when nomic inequalities along racial lines
different racial groups vie for mas- would destroy our society and that it
tery over the rest. Racial or ethnic was in the interest of all to uplift the
conflicts, if not resolved or managed economic status of the Malays. The
properly, can often result in human controversy, however, was sparked
suffering, wastage of resources, by the implementation of NEP poli-
stagnant or negative economic cies by overzealous officials who
growth and social backwardness of interpreted the rules according to
the countries concerned. their whims and fancies. Another
Playing the race card has often group, largely politically well-con-
worked, which is why it is being nected bumiputras, used the NEP
used so frequently whenever there as a means to enrich themselves.
is the slightest opportu- While the NEP had
nity and when diversion, been a partial success
divide and rule, and Beyond in fulfilling its objec-
scapegoats are needed.
The main justification
Race tives, its implementation
created serious misgiv-
The problem
used for racism or racial- A new perspective ings not only among in Malaysia is
ism has always been the many non-bumiputras more about
perceived superiority of one’s own but even among those in the bu- racialism or
race. miputra community who felt they communalism
There is no such thing as a ge- were being marginalised.
netically superior race as there is The misgivings, frustration
rather than
only one human race. All humans and outright sense of injustice overt racism.
today are descended from the same engendered by the often capricious We are
species of Homo sapiens that origi- implementation of the NEP only very much
nated in Africa about 150,000 years served to further fuel the already
ago. The exodus from Africa to the fraying balance of race relations a culturally,
rest of the world began around in a political system where parties ethnically and
60,000 years ago as explained in were based on race and ethnicity. religiously
the National Geographic documen- The system had served the diverse
tary, The Journey of Man: A Genetic nation reasonably well in the first
Odyssey, by Dr Spencer Wells, a decade after Independence, even to
society, yet
renowned geneticist. We all share the extent of subsequently enlarg- the richness of
a common origin and are related at ing the ruling coalition to include our diversity,
some point in prehistory. ostensibly multiracial parties. But instead
Some races might appear to be the fundamental philosophy of
more culturally “advanced” in their governing through race-based
of being
historical evolution and develop- components meant there was little promoted as a
ment due to an earlier acquisition room or opportunity for the growth strength, has
of knowledge in areas such as of genuine multiracial parties. often been
agriculture, maritime travel and And it soon became apparent exploited for
weaponry, better access to resources that ethnic-based political parties,
and raw materials (often by force) which may be useful in champion- parochial
and sometimes, plain luck such ing the cause of their races, would political
as their geographical positions of also inevitably provide a sanctuary objectives.”
having availability of water and food for extremist elements who would
supply and the absence of natural not hesitate to become “champions
disasters. Cultural advancement, of of the race” as they sought to gather
course, is purely subjective. electoral support to move up the
Let’s talk about racial unity or party’s leadership ladder.
rather disunity in Malaysia. The While some may view the fed-
problem in Malaysia is more about eral governing coalition as a single
racialism or communalism rather multiracial party, the March 8, 2008,
than overt racism. We are very general election demonstrated that
much a culturally, ethnically and an increasingly educated and well-
religiously diverse society, yet the informed citizenry no longer accepts
richness of our diversity, instead of this paradigm. In fact, the elections
being promoted as a strength, has and their aftermath appear to have
often been exploited for parochial shown that the federal coalition is
political objectives. merely the sum of its ethnic parts,
The bedrock principle governing rather than a multiracial whole. Re-
race relations in this country has inventing these race-based parties
been the “social contract” which into genuine multiracial ones will
was agreed upon by our nation’s take some doing, given the network
forefathers just before independ- of their power bases and structure
ence. There has been much debate developed over the years.
recently on its various interpreta- There is, of course, another,
tions. major factor impacting on race
What is clear and stated in the relations in Malaysia. Yes – religion.
Federal Constitution is the provision Race and religion are closely inter-
of special position of the Malays twined in Malaysia.
and other indigenous people and The sensitivity with which issues
the position of Islam as the official related to religion are handled by
religion. The other races, however, the authorities play a major role in
would be granted full citizenship determining whether race relations Next:
and enjoy freedom of worship and in Malaysia settle at a level of amity
other universal rights. and respect – or serve to further Race relations
In 1971, the New Economic undermine the delicate social fabric in Malaysia:
Policy (NEP) was drawn up, with of our multiracial, multi-religious, The current
a policy thrust aimed at eradicating multi-cultural and multi-linguistic scenario
poverty regardless of race and re- land. The cabinet’s decision last
structuring society to do away with week on child conversion sent a appears on
identification of race with economic positive signal on how such issues Monday
function. The NEP also made clear should be handled in future.
that no race should feel alienated
or be left behind, and it was to be
implemented through the adoption The writer is the CEO of a think-
of affirmative action policies. tank and strategic consultancy firm
The majority of Malaysians based in Kuala Lumpur. He can be
accepted the principles and objec- contacted at kktan22@hotmail.com.