By Erda Khursyiah Basir
KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- Political fanaticism and the insensitive attitude of certain quarters have in one way or other undermined the concept of sharing long nurtured by Malaysians, according to analysts.
Dr Mohd Ainuddin Iskandar Lee Abdullah, a senior lecturer at the Centre for International Studies at Universiti Utara Malaysia's Faculty for Legal, Government and International Studies, said all parties should practice moderation in politics, even if their directions were varied.
"Currently, certain quarters are deliberately raising disputes and challenges that are closely intertwined with political interests and sensitive issues.
"This matter must be given due attention in order to safeguard the sensitivities of the various enthnic groups in this country and enable the noble quality of sharing to thrive and be preserved," he told Bernama.
SHARING OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC POWER
At a talk by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad titled "The Malaysian Dilemma" on Feb 12 during a forum organised by non-governmental organisation Centre for a Better Tomorrow, the former prime minister spoke, among other things, about how political and economic power sharing by all races could be the best formula for Malaysia to attain developed nation status by 2020.
Urging more Malaysians to practice the sharing spirit, and acknowledging that it had already long existed in this country, Dr Mahathir said it would help Malaysia to become more successful and prosperous.
However, the dilemma most Malaysians are confronted with now is whether they should continue sharing economic and political power on the back of the success attained thus far.
"If they want to share, the Malays must give up some of their political power to the other races while the Chinese should surrender their economic dominance. This is why this country has never been controlled by a single race. Malaysia is ruled by the three major races. If we agree to sharing, then this is the best way for our nation," explained Mahathir.
Commenting on this, Mohd Ainuddin said he wondered to what extent the Chinese were willing to surrender the power they wielded over the economy, and whether they could match the Malays, who had sacrificed their political dominance.
He said the cession of Malay supremacy and economic legacy of the Chinese must be studied and analysed from various dimensions because it would have a major implication on the question of political and economic survival in Malaysia.
"Barisan Nasional's (BN) existing political formula is adequate enough... it cannot be denied that UMNO had in the past given its seats to the MCA based on the racial breakdown of voters in those constituencies, and even Cabinet posts. UMNO did this in the spirit of friendship within BN.
"Now the question is, have the Chinese ever surrendered their dominance in the business supply chain to the Malays? During Tun's (Dr Mahathir) era of liberalisation, several nouveau riche people were created and added to the ranks of tycoons, as a result of the opportunities given to them by the government then," he said.
All these, stressed Mohd Ainuddin, testified that the Malays had made a great deal of sacrifices in the past, and also proved the community's high level of tolerance towards their fellow non-Malay citizens.
"If only the Chinese community is willing to relinquish their economic dominance in certain sectors to the Malays, it will take the concept of sharing to new heights and help create a more dynamic, progressive and advanced society," he added.
CONTINUANCE OF NEP
What does sharing entail in the context of promoting racial tolerance?
Mohd Ainuddin, who is also a lecturer in ethnic relations, replied that many people were not aware that the seeds of racial tolerance were first sown when the country was on the threshold of independence, that is during the era of political consensus, as it was known then.
He said the New Economic Policy (NEP) era had, rightfully, seen an adequate level of economic sharing, which had a positive impact on the political and economic well-being of the nation.
"During the NEP era, the government helped uplift the status of the Malay community by establishing FELDA, FELCRA and other development programmes. Even the non-Malays enjoyed spillovers from the NEP because their contractors helped to open up new land, build roads, instal irrigation canals, supply equipment and provide various other services.
"The NEP-era sharing benefited all parties and led to the creation of a Malay middle-class, which saw the emergence of Malay professionals in various fields who were as competent as their non-Malay counterparts," he said.
Mohd Ainuddin also called on the various races to share their knowledge and expertise as it could contribute to narrowing the economic gap between them, adding that it would also lead to equality in terms of professional achievements.
READY TO COMPROMISE
Asso Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, a lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia's Centre for Social Science Studies, said while all parties played an important role in understanding the concept of compromising and sacrificing, they should uphold the values they had in common, instead of pinpointing their differences.
"Sharing enables us to move forward together, but it should be done in an honest and sincere manner without suspicion. We should look for common values that connect the Malays and non-Malays.
"In the context of our plural society, we must understand that there are limitations to what we can do and can't do, based on the principle of respect we have for others," he said.
Asked to comment on moderate-minded people who preferred to remain silent and keep their views to themselves rather than make an effort to tame the political fanatics, Sivamurugan said the time has come for them (the moderates) to change their attitude and act accordingly.
"The truth is, in keeping quiet, they are allowing the political fanatics to feel free to act as they like. As such, we also need to hear the voice of the moderates as it can neutralise the agenda of the fanatics and prevent them from destroying all that we've have built over the years," he said.
ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
On the role of the social media in nurturing the concept of sharing, Mohd Ainuddin said due to the explosion in information technology and the ease at which information could be retrieved, social media should be utilised as a platform to promote the concept of sharing.
Pointing out that views and comments shared on social media sites should be sensible and not emotionally-charged, he said they should also not cause racial disunity and political instability.
"There are people who abuse the social media... in fact some are using it to give vent to their emotions without considering the repercussions on society.
"The posting of views and comments which carry no bias or prejudice towards any ethnic group can, indirectly, contribute to interracial harmony and lend a positive aura to the nation's socio-political, and even economic, development," he added.
-- BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- Political fanaticism and the insensitive attitude of certain quarters have in one way or other undermined the concept of sharing long nurtured by Malaysians, according to analysts.
Dr Mohd Ainuddin Iskandar Lee Abdullah, a senior lecturer at the Centre for International Studies at Universiti Utara Malaysia's Faculty for Legal, Government and International Studies, said all parties should practice moderation in politics, even if their directions were varied.
"Currently, certain quarters are deliberately raising disputes and challenges that are closely intertwined with political interests and sensitive issues.
"This matter must be given due attention in order to safeguard the sensitivities of the various enthnic groups in this country and enable the noble quality of sharing to thrive and be preserved," he told Bernama.
SHARING OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC POWER
At a talk by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad titled "The Malaysian Dilemma" on Feb 12 during a forum organised by non-governmental organisation Centre for a Better Tomorrow, the former prime minister spoke, among other things, about how political and economic power sharing by all races could be the best formula for Malaysia to attain developed nation status by 2020.
Urging more Malaysians to practice the sharing spirit, and acknowledging that it had already long existed in this country, Dr Mahathir said it would help Malaysia to become more successful and prosperous.
However, the dilemma most Malaysians are confronted with now is whether they should continue sharing economic and political power on the back of the success attained thus far.
"If they want to share, the Malays must give up some of their political power to the other races while the Chinese should surrender their economic dominance. This is why this country has never been controlled by a single race. Malaysia is ruled by the three major races. If we agree to sharing, then this is the best way for our nation," explained Mahathir.
Commenting on this, Mohd Ainuddin said he wondered to what extent the Chinese were willing to surrender the power they wielded over the economy, and whether they could match the Malays, who had sacrificed their political dominance.
He said the cession of Malay supremacy and economic legacy of the Chinese must be studied and analysed from various dimensions because it would have a major implication on the question of political and economic survival in Malaysia.
"Barisan Nasional's (BN) existing political formula is adequate enough... it cannot be denied that UMNO had in the past given its seats to the MCA based on the racial breakdown of voters in those constituencies, and even Cabinet posts. UMNO did this in the spirit of friendship within BN.
"Now the question is, have the Chinese ever surrendered their dominance in the business supply chain to the Malays? During Tun's (Dr Mahathir) era of liberalisation, several nouveau riche people were created and added to the ranks of tycoons, as a result of the opportunities given to them by the government then," he said.
All these, stressed Mohd Ainuddin, testified that the Malays had made a great deal of sacrifices in the past, and also proved the community's high level of tolerance towards their fellow non-Malay citizens.
"If only the Chinese community is willing to relinquish their economic dominance in certain sectors to the Malays, it will take the concept of sharing to new heights and help create a more dynamic, progressive and advanced society," he added.
CONTINUANCE OF NEP
What does sharing entail in the context of promoting racial tolerance?
Mohd Ainuddin, who is also a lecturer in ethnic relations, replied that many people were not aware that the seeds of racial tolerance were first sown when the country was on the threshold of independence, that is during the era of political consensus, as it was known then.
He said the New Economic Policy (NEP) era had, rightfully, seen an adequate level of economic sharing, which had a positive impact on the political and economic well-being of the nation.
"During the NEP era, the government helped uplift the status of the Malay community by establishing FELDA, FELCRA and other development programmes. Even the non-Malays enjoyed spillovers from the NEP because their contractors helped to open up new land, build roads, instal irrigation canals, supply equipment and provide various other services.
"The NEP-era sharing benefited all parties and led to the creation of a Malay middle-class, which saw the emergence of Malay professionals in various fields who were as competent as their non-Malay counterparts," he said.
Mohd Ainuddin also called on the various races to share their knowledge and expertise as it could contribute to narrowing the economic gap between them, adding that it would also lead to equality in terms of professional achievements.
READY TO COMPROMISE
Asso Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, a lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia's Centre for Social Science Studies, said while all parties played an important role in understanding the concept of compromising and sacrificing, they should uphold the values they had in common, instead of pinpointing their differences.
"Sharing enables us to move forward together, but it should be done in an honest and sincere manner without suspicion. We should look for common values that connect the Malays and non-Malays.
"In the context of our plural society, we must understand that there are limitations to what we can do and can't do, based on the principle of respect we have for others," he said.
Asked to comment on moderate-minded people who preferred to remain silent and keep their views to themselves rather than make an effort to tame the political fanatics, Sivamurugan said the time has come for them (the moderates) to change their attitude and act accordingly.
"The truth is, in keeping quiet, they are allowing the political fanatics to feel free to act as they like. As such, we also need to hear the voice of the moderates as it can neutralise the agenda of the fanatics and prevent them from destroying all that we've have built over the years," he said.
ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
On the role of the social media in nurturing the concept of sharing, Mohd Ainuddin said due to the explosion in information technology and the ease at which information could be retrieved, social media should be utilised as a platform to promote the concept of sharing.
Pointing out that views and comments shared on social media sites should be sensible and not emotionally-charged, he said they should also not cause racial disunity and political instability.
"There are people who abuse the social media... in fact some are using it to give vent to their emotions without considering the repercussions on society.
"The posting of views and comments which carry no bias or prejudice towards any ethnic group can, indirectly, contribute to interracial harmony and lend a positive aura to the nation's socio-political, and even economic, development," he added.
-- BERNAMA
