Race and the political and economic state of Malaysia
In particular, during the 14 th general elections in 2018 inwhich the BN coalitionwas voted out of power, UMNO had attempted to appeal to the Malays and split the electorate into the Bumiputeras and the Chinese, Indians and non-Muslims in order to secure enough votes. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak has put forward initiatives, such as the Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Programme, which have been said to have been an attempt to sway votes towards them. Experts say that the Pakatan Harapan coalition relied on Mahathir Mohamad’s influ ence to steal some Malay votes, especially in rural areas. This was because he was a strong advocate for Malay rights and Islamic values during his first premiership, winning the approval of many Malays. Among other factors, such as a change in attitudes of the young and the growing and apparent corruption of leaders, the opposition was able to conquer the odds and win the election. There is no doubt that there are also other factors which may influence the political and economic state of Malaysia. ASEAN has assisted through alleviating the political tensions between Malaysia and other s outheast Asian nations, such as during Singapore’s secession from Malaysia, and contributed quite heavily towards trading, investment and development in the country. However, this arguably had a greater influence on Malaysia’s relations with other neighbouring countries, rather than the impact on the domestic society. The words of politicians are far more likely to have a greater impact on the eyes and ears of Malaysians and t heir attitudes than an organization it’s a part of. Corruption has been rampant amongst Malaysian leaders, such as the 1MDB scandal concerning Najib Razak, which has played into the trust of Malaysian citizens into their politicians and leaders. Still, the methods and reasons used to keep these politicians in power is primarily because of race. Religion plays quite a similar role as race in Malaysian politics, as the majority of ethnic Malays are Muslims hence politicians will appeal to both factors when garnering support. However, because of the lack of unity in Islam reduces its impact on the political stage, religious matters are more of a ‘ side effect ’ of generations of racial politics. The harsh truth is that race persists as an important factor in Mal aysia’s society, and not always in a positivemanner. It is unfortunately engrained in theminds of Malaysians as a way of life, and the divide between the races will persist. The Bumiputera will continue to benefit from the policies that favoured them, the Indians will stay impoverished without the help of the government, and the Chinese will remain resentful for staying at an economic disadvantage. Though it has left scars in Malaysian society, there may be an optimistic future ahead for the country, displayed by the changes in attitudes of the youngMalays, who recognize and are against discrimination and corruption, swaying the votes towards a less race-based Malaysia. Many experts believed that it was impossible to vote out Najib Razak and the 60-year-reigning BN coalition, but it was miraculously done in 2018 in the 14 th general elections. After these elections, a primary opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been released and is continuing his work in Malaysian politics. He was jailed for sodomy under the rule of Najib Razak and with the support of Mahathir Mohamed, the man who now advocated for his release. Moreover, the racial diversity and differences do not have to be a burden nor a limitation, but could be used as an advantage, to adapt and drive the Malaysian economy to grow. Malaysia is renowned for its culinary eminence, for its mix of flavours and richness derived from different cultures. The same could be used for its economy and its political state. Malaysia continues to live quite harmoniously among the races, and it is not uncommon for one to know many languages and converse with other races. Each culture, race and person offers a different perspective, experience and skillset that can meld and create a national unity unlike any ot her country. Harnessed positively, Malaysia’s unique diversity could build
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