Tun Dr Ismail’s views on the Special Position of the Malays
Posted by omong on January 1, 2007
The Special Position of the Malays
.. the leaders of the Alliance realised the practical necessity of giving the Malays a handicap if they were to compete on equal terms with the other races.
The only point of controversy was the duration of the ‘special position’ — should there be a time limit or should it be permanent?
I made a suggestion which was accepted, that the question be left to the Malays themselves because I felt that as more and more Malays became educated and gained self-confidence, they themselves would do away with this ‘special position’.
In itself, this ‘special position’ is a slur on the ability of the Malays and only to be tolerated because it is necessary as a temporary measure to ensure their survival in the modern competitive world: a world to which only those in the urban areas had been exposed.
This analysis provides insight into how Dr Ismail perceived the Malayan situation.
Source: New Straits Times
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[...] Tun Dr Ismail on the special position of the Malays [...]
Kit Lee said
If the special rights/privilages are offered over a prolong period, it would only degenerate the Malay race as suggested by Tun Ismail. There are examples around the world that Malaysia can learn from. The Native Indians in N. America and the Aborigines are given handouts for so long, that they cannot look after themselves. But the Afro-americans who were discriminated against in the 60’s. But since anti-discrimination laws were in place, today the US has an Afro-american President. Afro-americans occupy places of leadership in commerce, governments, law enforcements, professions. You can argue that the ratio of them to other races do not represent the population ratio. But they have come a long way. They have gained personal pride and gratification because of their achievements. They do not achieve this because of handouts! There is not to say there is no racial bigotry in the US. Racial bigotry is difficult or even impossible to eradicate but racial equality can be achieved through fair-play and education for all races to accept or at least have a very high level of tolerance to accept each other as equal. A helping hand to push things along is good but not handouts! So it is time for Malays to grow up and live up to your responsibilities to fend for yourself. Do not let politicians exploit you to line their own pockets. Things need not change overnight but Malaysia should aim in the right direction to stamp out a cost-plus economy, ellitism and have second rate Malaysians to manage your country, in Government, civil service, legal system, police and commerce. Otherwise, you will be shooting yourself in the foot.