The Malay Dilemma: A Mindset That Holds Us Back

Extraction from Zulkifli Jalil article in Berita Harian

A friend once shared with me a story from the 1970s. He used to do his schoolwork under the dim light of a kerosene lamp, lying on a mat, with no desk or chair. Life was tough, yet he persevered. He moved to the city, built a life, and raised a family.

He recalled that during that era, other ethnic groups also lived in dire conditions dilapidated homes, surviving on neglected lands near swamps. But look at where they are now. Through sheer hard work and unwavering determination, they have risen economically, outpacing many of their Malay counterparts.

Now, as we enter 2025, we all hope for a life of stability, comfort, and peace. Wealth is a bonus, but a moderate, fulfilling life is sufficient free from toxic mindsets and deception. We must embrace meritocracy as a way of life, abandoning the crutch of entitlement.

The Price of Dependency

The reality is harsh, if we constantly rely on others to do the work for us, we will forever remain dependent. The more we depend on foreign labor, the more they infiltrate our economic landscape. Over time, Malays will find themselves marginalized, losing economic and social ground.

This is already happening. We complain about the overwhelming presence of foreign workers, yet many of us refuse to take up essential jobs. Washing cars? No. Planting crops? Impossible.

This over-reliance on external labor is alarming. In five years, Malays could lose their grip on economic control simply because they refuse to work hard for it. The combination of Bangladeshi, Indonesian, and Chinese workers in the country is growing, and without stringent enforcement, we risk losing our foothold.

The Political Divide and the Need for Nationalist Thinking

The division within the Malay political sphere has weakened our collective strength. This would not happen if our leaders, from the grassroots to the top, upheld a nationalist mindset, one that values knowledge, unity, and cultural heritage while maintaining a broad and progressive outlook.

Nationalist thinking should not be confined to a “village champion” mentality. It must extend beyond, shaping a society that excels in industry, technology, and governance. In religion, it should not be about mere rhetoric but balancing spiritual and worldly affairs effectively.

We need a higher-level political mindset. Politics determines the fate of a nation, shaping individual and collective rights. It was political power that formed Malaysia, defined Article 153 of the Constitution, established Bahasa Melayu as the national language (Article 152), and safeguarded the sovereignty of the Malay rulers. Political power ensured that our paddy fields remained intact and protected our national sovereignty.

The Geopolitical Reality

We must also be aware of current geopolitical issues. Malaysia enjoys stability and harmony, but complacency is dangerous. Our leaders must be wise and strategic. Past mistakes, such as the mismanagement of subsidised fuel that ended up in southern Thailand, should never be repeated. We cannot afford weak policies, especially in national security and foreign affairs.

External threats loom, Zionist aggression, superpower encroachments in the South China Sea, and territorial disputes over Sabah and Sarawak. These are not distant concerns; they affect our sovereignty. Malaysia has already lost territories in the past, including islands the size of half a football field. Although we retained Sipadan and Ligitan, the struggle for territorial integrity continues.

Unfortunately, many historical facts about Sabah and Sarawak remain unclear. Issues such as the Sulu claims and border demarcations are unresolved, yet there is a lack of authoritative historical frameworks to guide policymaking. We must develop a rigorous and credible historical standard to ensure we do not lose any more ground, literally and figuratively.

The Danger of Internal Political Struggles

Political infighting has reached an alarming level in the past five years. The consequences are dire, job losses, corruption, compromised judiciary independence, and cronyism. The people are losing faith in leadership.

A senior acquaintance, now 59, nearing retirement, lamented, “All the political, legal, economic, and administrative corruption must be rectified immediately. If not, Malaysia will struggle to remain competitive.”

We must rediscover our traditional values. If we have lost our way, we must find our roots again. If we drift, we must correct our course. Otherwise, we risk losing our national identity and becoming a people without direction.

This extends to language, customs, and governance. Respect in politics and administration cannot be forced or manipulated for political gains, it must be upheld with integrity, rooted in genuine struggle.

Judicial independence is paramount. A nation that upholds the rule of law is a nation that earns respect, both domestically and internationally. When laws are tampered with for convenience, we lose credibility. Leadership requires intelligence, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that are non-negotiable in today’s world.

Change Starts Within

The hard truth is that Malays must change their mindset. The “waiting for help” mentality must end. If we continue expecting others to do the work for us, we will inevitably become strangers in our own land.

Instead of blaming external factors, we must rise above the challenges. Hard work, merit, and a strong nationalist vision must define our progress. Only then can we secure our rightful place in Malaysia’s future.

The Malays must embrace adaptability, self-reliance, and resilience. Without these qualities, we risk being left behind in a rapidly changing world. The time for action is now.