THE MALAYSIAN MALAY

THE MALAYSIAN MALAY by Dr Syed Alwi of Singapore.
http://www.malaysia-today.net/Blog-s/2006_07_23_MT_surat_archive.htm


Dear Editor,


As you know, I am an avid watcher of Malaysian affairs. I must confess
that lately, Malaysia appears to be failing. Not a day passes by without
more events that clearly highlight Malaysia's race-religion fault-line.
If things keep going this way, I fear for Malaysia's future.


Today, schools in Singapore celebrate Racial Harmony Day. I can visibly
see the joy in the children's faces as they wear their ethnic costumes
and have fun together at school. But in Malaysia - even the right to
choose a religion has become a sensitive, national issue. No doubt,
there are many in Malaysia who hate my liberal views on Islam, family
included. But I will say what I must say openly. I have come to the
conclusion that Malaysia cannot progress any further without first
addressing fundamental questions regarding its identity and soul.


I remember the days when we can laugh at Lat's cartoons on everyday
Malaysian life. But sadly, the Islamic tide has polarised Malaysians.
Some people ask why I should bother about Malaysian affairs since I am a
Singaporean. May I remind Malaysians that it was Tan Siew Sin who once
said that Singapore and Malaysia are Siamese Twins. Should Malaysia go
down - it would hurt the region tremendously. Especially Singapore.


Where do you think Malay apostates would head for if Lina Joy loses her
case? Singapore of course! I find the Malaysian Malay to be very
under-exposed. For them, it's all Islam and the NEP and everything under
the sun would sort itself out. I am sorry to say this - but Islam and
the NEP may be the cause of the undoing of the Malaysian Malay.


There is nothing wrong with religion or affirmative action. But, like
everything else in life, they must be taken in moderation and with a
pinch of salt. A little doubt is good. Unfortunately in Malaysia,
emotions over Islam have overcome reason. What we see today is the
result of the NEP and Islamisation policies of the past thirty years or
so.


No one owes Malaysian Malays a living. Let me assure you that should
Malaysia fail - the Malaysian Malay will suffer enormously. And rightly
so. After all - they have been pampered with all sorts of goodies over
the years. They cannot now expect more goodies. Perhaps the day of
reckoning for them, is near. Whatever it is, Malaysia had better wake up
to the realities around her. The globalised world of the 21st century
has no NEP to offer the Malaysian Malay. And humans cannot live by
religion alone.


Regards,
Dr Syed Alwi