Malaysia’s affirmative action is main obstacle to strengthening economy

..the main obstacle to strengthening Malaysia’s economy remains its affirmative action-type policies that favor local Malays over the minority Chinese and Indians, which means the best people aren’t always the ones who get the best jobs. If Malaysia really wants to grow, that’s the next reform for the national agenda.

Source: Wall Street Journal

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Malaysia’s affirmative policy

Let’s be open about race relations

..but the fact remains that many non-Malays, no matter how successful they may be, feel that the country has not been fair to them.

In the nation’s half-century balance sheet, many have also concluded that Malays are getting everywhere largely because of the New Economic Policy (NEP), or that they have done so by depriving others.

This is not only insulting to the Malays, but also proves to be fuel for dissatisfaction.

…

There is already too much unpleasantness manifesting itself in many forms, be they in facts or fiction, hyperbole or misconception.

I believe it is the responsibility of all of us to engage in meaningful discussion and address all of them.

For example, Malay politicians, leaders and intellectuals must be better at explaining the Malays’ position, especially to the non-Malays.

Let us not bring up the spectre of May 13, to shut up questions about the Malays and Islam.

The Malays surely have much better things to offer to the realm of intellectual discourse than the threat of street violence.

Let us all be more involved and forthcoming in public discourses on these matters, with rational arguments complete with facts and figures — clear thinking in defence of, or against, a government policy.

If we fail to do so, I believe there will be a hardening of positions, and the emerging of ultras and chauvinistic elements, in the races and all the political parties, be they from government or the opposition.

All the sniping that goes unanswered would prep and pave the path for the emergence of less tolerant politicians, both Malays and non-Malays.

In times of uncertainty, the most radical political posturing, working on the platform of fear being the lowest common denominator, often gets the most attention.

Source: New Straits Times

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Malaysia’s race relations after 50 years of independence

MPS dog-catching competition called off

The controversial dog-catching competition by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), which offered prize money of up to RM15,000 to the public, has been called off. 

State executive councillor Datuk Tang See Hang and MPS president Zainal Abidin Azim said the decision to scrap the competition, launched on Sept 3, was made following public outcry, particularly from animal rights groups and pet owners. 

Source: The Star

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Khir Toyo says dog-catching competition is good

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) chairperson says dog-catching competition is ridiculous