The Malays Deceived: A Mindset Still Colonised

Throughout Malay history, we have seen how the Malay people have often been deceived by coloniser’s and foreign powers. From the era of colonisation, issues related to royalty, religion, race, language, culture, and customs were the main focus. However, even after independence, the Malay mindset remains deeply influenced by these colonial legacies.

Negotiating Independence: Who Truly Benefited?

When we negotiated our independence, it was not solely a victory for the Malays. The coloniser’s and foreign powers were significantly involved. The resulting agreements reduced the rights of the Malays while increasing the rights of non-Malays. These agreements were enshrined in the Constitution, shaping the political and social landscape of Malaysia post-independence.

Post-Independence: Defending Independence and the Constitution

After achieving independence, the Malays continued to fight to defend their sovereignty and uphold the Constitution. But what does defending independence truly mean? Does it merely involve preventing recolonisation by foreign powers?

Analyzing the Intentions of the Colonisers

If the colonisers were willing to grant independence a decade before 1957, what were their true intentions? Post-World War II, a New World Order emerged, presenting opportunities for European and North American powers to dominate the world economically and politically, without the need for traditional colonisation.

The Shift to a New Form of Colonisation

The establishment of global bodies like the United Nations, NATO, and the G7, along with strategic alliances in Asia and the Southern Hemisphere, marked the transition to a new form of colonisation. Economic control replaced direct political control. Allies were created, and conflicts were orchestrated to maintain influence over these regions.

Economic Strategies and Global Dominance

China, with its vast population and market potential, was initially excluded from the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Only after Western countries had solidified their wealth and China remained impoverished was China allowed to join the WTO. The West faced market saturation and needed new avenues for economic expansion. China, with its large workforce and low labor costs, became an ideal location for relocating manufacturing and economic activities.

The West’s Miscalculation

The West predicted that as China grew wealthier, it would adopt Western democratic and consumerist lifestyles. However, this was a miscalculation. China’s rise as an economic and military superpower challenged American hegemony, presenting a valuable lesson for the Malays.

The New World Order and Malay Complacency

The Malays, lulled by the success of independence and self-governance, focused primarily on politics centered around preserving religion, race, royalty, language, and culture. However, the coloniser’s had planted traps before granting independence, ensuring:

• A democratic system
• A constitutional monarchy
• Multi-party politics based on race and religion

The Consequences of the Colonial Legacy

If a single-party system had been established, the Malays might have remained unchallenged. The current capitalist economy and global financial system have become tools for the New World Order to dominate developing and impoverished nations. The Malays, still ensnared by feudalistic and colonial political mindsets, fail to see and understand these global economic and political strategies.

The Path to True Independence

Post-independence, the struggle should have shifted from decolonization to avoiding re-colonization. Economic colonization, through control of markets, land, and human resources, has been the new form of subjugation. Without a clear understanding of global priorities, challenges, enemies, strategies, and objectives, the Malays risk being re-colonised by 2057.

Redefining Political Priorities

For the Malays, political discussions should focus on progressive and developmental agendas, rather than destructive criticism. Political parties should serve as vehicles for policies and implementation. Historically, UMNO/BN has proven successful in federal governance, while PAS has managed Kelantan effectively, where 95% of the population is Malay.

Embracing a Positive Political Mindset

We should aim for a political mindset that is positive, progressive, and focused on development. Showcasing better methods, demonstrating the ability to implement policies successfully, and providing tangible examples of achievements are crucial. The old approach of incessant criticism and unproductive political fanaticism must be abandoned.

If we continue to approach politics with a mindset of self-destruction and blame, we will fail to progress even in a hundred years. A new direction focused on constructive and evidence-based politics is essential for the Malays to thrive in the modern world.