Malay Politics: Between Reality and Illusion

In the current political landscape of Malaysia, we often witness ongoing turbulence and endless debates. However, amidst all this, do we truly understand the issues being raised, or are we merely trapped in rhetoric and self-created fears? Let’s reflect and analyse what is really happening.

Unfounded Fears

Consider the state of Kelantan, where the population is 95% Malay. The residents, the land, the economy, the language, the religion, and the natural resources—trees, animals, fish, mountains, hills, rivers, seas—are predominantly Malay. With such a demographic dominance, what is there to fear about losing our monarchy, religion, land, economy, language, or natural resources?

Yet, these are the very topics discussed and debated incessantly, 365 days a year, over five years leading to each general election. The truth is, one day of voting should suffice. The rest of the time should be focused on productivity and progress.

Self-Inflicted Political Paranoia

There is a certain level of madness in Malay politics. We create imaginary threats and shadows that scare us. Meanwhile, real threats are often ignored. This perpetual state of fear and division has roots that trace back hundreds of years, instilled by colonial powers. They first colonised our minds with a fear mindset, which then enabled them to colonise our land. To maintain control, they employed the strategy of divide and rule. Sadly, this approach continues to be perpetuated by Malay leaders to this day.

Reluctance to Seek Solutions

In Malay politics, there seems to be an aversion to seeking resolutions or peace, similar to how the United States often appears to need conflict rather than peace. Malays are deeply interested in politics, resulting in the necessity for two opposing teams—Team A versus Team B.

Personal Reflection

I retired from my professional career in 2013. Before that, my focus was entirely on my career and family, and friends were a secondary concern. I have been an activist for ten years now. In politics, I have studied and analyzed various aspects. Before the 14th General Election, I firmly stated:

• The downfall of UMNO/BN would mean the downfall of Malay power.
• There are only two significant Malay parties, UMNO and PAS, leading to further fragmentation.
• UMNO deserves federal power due to its overwhelming advantages over other parties.
• PAS is capable of ruling four states with large Malay majorities.
• Leaders come and go.

To this day, no one wants to discuss or prove that my analysis was inaccurate. Nor have they presented strong alternatives to demonstrate better solutions. Practicality should be grounded in reality—not based on desires, but on available choices.

A Call for Practical Solutions

Until now, there has been no willingness to discuss, debate, or argue in search of solutions. This is why I assert that Malays are more interested in political conflicts, pitting Team A against Team B, rather than seeking genuine solutions.

The frequent cries for unity and other slogans seem to be just that—slogans without substance. It’s high time we shift our focus from creating and fearing imaginary threats to addressing real issues and finding practical solutions for the betterment of our society.