Understanding the Critical Economic Realities Facing Malays in Malaysia

In Malaysia, a significant portion of Malays, including civil servants, workers, and small business owners, are dependent on fixed salaries or wages. Unfortunately, many of them are unaware of the most pressing risk facing the country today. Globally, there is a trend where corporations and big businesses are increasingly dominating politics and governance, leading to the exploitation and suppression of labor, including those who depend on fixed incomes. This scenario resembles past colonial periods, albeit with corporations indirectly controlling governments and policies through their influence on decision-makers.

Contrastingly, those involved in big businesses and corporations comprehend the critical challenges facing Malays. They actively participate in the economic game, positioning themselves as fighters and survivors, thereby securing their future. However, the majority of Malays risk falling behind and facing recolonization in this new era of wealth accumulation, where a small percentage of elites control the majority of the country’s resources. Unfortunately, this doesn’t favor Malays.

Why do I choose to write about this issue, even from the Holy Land? Because addressing societal issues is a duty that transcends geographical boundaries. Reflecting on the challenges facing our community is more rewarding than a thousand other rituals. Hopefully, this endeavor brings blessings and multiplied rewards.

We can only strive and exert effort, as Allah determines the outcomes of our endeavors. From our multitude of efforts, we do not know which one Allah will choose as the cause of success. May writing from the Holy Land serve as a prayer that Allah will accept.

The issue of Malays versus China is primarily about economic competition, not appropriation. Economics is about construction, not theft. Those who build and accumulate prosper. However, our weakness in competition and our inclination towards negativity highlight our mental fragility. Our lack of effort, which we often deny, yields predictable outcomes.

Our position as Malays is not threatened by the Chinese, Indians, or any other group. Our shortcomings stem from within, not from external factors. Politicians exploit these shortcomings to stoke religious, racial, and linguistic sentiments for political gain, leading to a bankruptcy of positive ideas. Winning on such grounds results in empty promises. Realistically, this requires assets, knowledge, skills, and experience, not just rhetoric.

Let’s consider a government contract project worth RM100 million. The maximum profit, if efficiently managed, is RM10 million. Lobbyists and politicians take 50% or RM5 million. The remaining 90% goes to materials, machinery, labor, and finance, with 10-15% profit taken by each, leaving little for Malay stakeholders.

If land belonged to Malays, developers, contractors, and suppliers would still take the lion’s share of profits, leaving Malays with crumbs. The business operates 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring a constant flow of profits, but Malays are often left out.

We need real data on the economic status of Malays and the existing gaps to devise realistic strategies to catch up and overcome these challenges. This is imperative.

While the United States remains the world’s superpower in terms of military and economy, the mindset of Malays seems indifferent. We must acknowledge the threats to our survival. The situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and tensions with Iran and China should serve as wake-up calls. Instead of engaging in petty politics, Malays should prioritise their survival.

Political pressure and rhetoric have proven ineffective. It’s time for impactful economic actions. However, we must be cautious, as sometimes it’s the Malays who suffer the most.

In conclusion, understanding the economic realities facing Malays in Malaysia is crucial for devising effective strategies to ensure their survival and prosperity in an increasingly competitive global landscape. It’s time for Malays to take proactive steps towards economic empowerment and seize control of their destiny.