REMINDER for the people who forgot their sorry condition ...

THE MALAYSIAN MALAY
by Dr Syed Alwi of Singapore
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 celebra 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 t! o 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 it self 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

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