The Malay have always been the majority in this country.
That is an undeniable fact.
Every non-Malays know that the majority race in this country are Malaysians of Malay race.
This is a fact.
The non Malays also know that there are also Malaysians of other races in this country they called home.
The non Malays knew that, since independence or probably earlier than that.
The non Malays are aware that the Malays have every right to seek political, economic and social solidarity.
A non Malay candidate will never ever offer to compete as a candidate in an area where the population are majority Malays.
E.g no non Malay will ever dare to venture into politics in the East Coast states even if he or she is a convert.
The non Malays knew and have full respect to the Federal Constitution.
The non Malays are aware that the Federal Constitution outlines the position of the Malay rulers, Islam as the religion of the Federation, and special positions for Malays and Bumiputera, while guaranteeing freedom of religion and equal protection under the law for all citizen.
The non Malays also know and are aware that the Constitution also protects the legitimate interests and citizenship rights of not just the Malay but every other Malaysian.
The non Malays know and are aware that Bahasa Melayu is the national language.
It is in the Constitution.
The non Malays also know and are aware that Malaysia’s constitutional framework does not erase other languages because Bahasa Melayu is the national language.
The use, teaching and learning of other languages are also protected.
A former leader argued that having all Malaysian children study together under one common school system could improve social integration, we can understand that argument.
It was always the politicians who pushed this narrative.
It is a legitimate discussion.
But they should also respect why vernacular schools exist and why families continue choosing them.
Today, even many Malay parents send their children to Chinese primary schools because they value the education, discipline or language exposure.
So why must this continued to be an issue?
An issue amongst ordinary Malaysians or an issue amongst and within the political community, to be pulled out from their hats for public debate when the elections are near and their chances of getting re-elected are threatened?
And the non-Malays know that it was the Malay politicians that are not united.
Not the ordinary Malays.
The Malay politicians should be reminded that this issue of Malay unity that they are spearheading presently is a double edge sword.
The day ordinary Malays unite beyond racial politics will end the political careers of leaders who use race to gain power.
True unity shifts focus from identity to good governance, accountability, and the economic well-being of all citizens.
That’s also the end of those corrupt politicians who benefited immensely over the last few decades.
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