M. Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, associate professor and author
Many had hoped that Ketuanan Melayu (Supremacy of Malays) would end, ‘dead and buried’ when Anwar Ibrahim became PM. In the world of humanity, there is no superior race. We are all equal and the Malaysian constitution is clear on equality. Improvement and reformation (Reformasi) are all work in progress for Anwar as he crosses his first year on 24th November this week.
Madani principles contradict the far-fetched notion of the Supremacy of the Malays. Sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion cannot be aligned to the concept of Ketuanan Melayu.
1. Non-Malays feeling cheated
Truth must prevail, and communication at all levels will help. Non-Malays voted for a multiracial united Government. Anwar is PM for All as he announced after his appointment by the King. But this has not been proved in the allocation for non-Malays in the budget and positions in Government, which is seen as unfair. Thus, the non-Malays are experiencing a sense of being cheated.
Was it because the Cabinet has not delivered its GE15 promises? It’s time for Anwar to click the refresh, reset, and restart button to unite Malaysians. My observation of Anwar was his love and appreciation for Malaysians of all races, and he instilled a sense of pride in leading the nation before GE15.
2. Anwar’s leadership
In dedication to Anwar’s vision and mission, I started researching and writing his book Prison to Palace, PM for All. This was while teaching Creative Writing and Speech Writing at an international university as an adjunct professor. I completed the first draft within a month and took another two weeks to edit, rewrite, and get feedback on the book. At that time, I felt Anwar was Malaysia’s hero making a difference as his main goal was to unite all Malaysian races as one and be PM for All.
3. Can Non-Malays be Malays?
Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s call to the non-Malays to be in sync with Malay culture and traditions was never announced in his 24-year term as PM. Now, he insists the non-Malays in the country should have been assimilated into the Malay community, to form the “Bangsa Malaysia” concept of nations he envisioned. “Why do [the non-Malays] want to retain their different cultures, languages and alienate themselves from the locals?” he asked.
4. Malaysia’s Apartheid
Dr. Kamsiah Haider, a socio-political commentator and dentist, likened the “Israel-Palestinian Conflict Mirrors Malaysia's Apartheid Issue.”
The Israel-Palestinian conflict has polarised people worldwide, and in Malaysia, it has stirred strong emotions, especially among Malays and non-Malays. This conflict has revealed deep divides among races in the country. Some politicians from DAP have openly supported the Palestinian cause, separating this discussion from the actions of Hamas, Dr Kamsiah said in her commentary.
5. Non-Malays and Palestinians are in the same dilemma
“Non-Malays often identify with the Palestinians, feeling like victims themselves due to inequalities in their own country. They struggle to understand why Malays are so sensitive about this international conflict when Malays enjoy privileges that non-Malays do not in Malaysia. These privileges include preferential treatment in public universities, access to scholarships, and opportunities in government services. The conflict becomes a mirror reflecting local disparities, leading to further tension and division among Malaysians.
6. Second-class citizens?
Non-Malays as second-class citizens in Malaysia
“I am curious about the human mind, especially in the context of how different communities perceive and respond to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Among my non-Malay friends, their reactions likely stem from a desire for empathy. They might want Malays to understand the frustration and sense of inequality they experience as second-class citizens in their own homeland.
7. Deep sense of injustice, felt by Non-Malays
“This sentiment is often heightened among non-Malays who are not recent migrants but have roots in Malaysia that span multiple generations. For them, the connection to the land goes back several decades, if not centuries, and they might feel a deep sense of injustice when they perceive disparities in treatment and opportunities. Their reactions to the Israel-Palestinian conflict could be a way of expressing their own struggles for equality and recognition within their home country. It reflects a complex interplay of historical context, identity, and a quest for fairness and understanding among different communities,” Dr Kamsiah added.
8. Where is Malaysia headed?
In quest of efficiency, Is Anwar the PM for All going to keep the 1.7 million civil service? Will he trim the bloated civil service? Will the Malay civil servants vote for Anwar’s candidate in Putrajaya where all the top civil servants are? Malaysians wish him well as PM for All to increase the ethnic diversity in the civil service.
How about his massive allocation of RM 1.9 billion to the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM)?
9. Anwar’s stand on Palestine
Citing the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza, Anwar said there were too many contentious issues at hand, and that engagement was the best way forward. “You must try and engage, accepting the fact that you may not achieve all the desired results, but this engagement is important, to establish areas that do work,” he said.
Anwar also reiterated that both the US and China – which have been at odds over several issues including Taiwan and military activity in the South China Sea – were equally important to Malaysia. He said the US had been a traditional ally and a major investor in Malaysia, while there had been an increase in trade and investment from China. I believe the solution is, of course, greater collaboration. Separately, Anwar said political stability and clarity in policies were vital to ensure a thriving economy.
10. Anwar inspired Malaysians
The inspiring moments, motivating lessons and blissful memories covering Anwar as a journalist in the 1990s prompted me to write the 8th book. Prison to Palace – PM for All, was a bestseller. No other PM has suffered as much as Anwar. Sleeping on a cement floor aggravated Anwar’s back problem and was given a bed on doctors' advice. The response I got from my professional friends and my students who read some chapters was: “Don’t praise Anwar.”
My reply to them was simple: "I am only documenting Anwar’s challenges in progressing towards being the 10th PM. Here is a village boy not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and served ten years in jail. I told my friends to try serving one week in jail and come back and tell me what it was like?”
About 80 percent of those who read parts of the manuscript encouraged and inspired me to move on and publish the book soon. Success breeds success, and I still believe Anwar will perform better in the coming years with the new King after January 2024.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, associate professor, and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks, and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman, and Member of Parliament.
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