At current, Perikatan Nasional cabinet members representing Chinese and Indian communities include:
- YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Wee Jeck Seng (MCA)
- YB Senator Dato’ Dr. Mah Hang Soon (MCA)
- YB Datuk Seri Saravanan A/L Murugan (MIC)
- YB Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong (MCA)
- YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Santhara Kumar A/L Ramanaidu (PKR)
As per 2020, Malaysian population of 28 million is contributed by:
- Bumiputera 67.4%
- Chinese 24.6%
- Indian 7.3%
- Others 0.7%
Consequently, two questions arise:
One, does the cabinet members appointment proportionate to our Chinese and Indian communities in Malaysia?
Two, even it is proportionate (having combined UMNO, BERSATU, PAS, AND GPS for Bumiputera) would the interest of our minorities (24.6% and 7.3%) be well represented?
MY ARGUMENTS
- 24.6% population to be represented by 3 cabinet ministers is rather disproportionate. The disproportionality has nothing to do with the capabilities of Perikatan Nasional to serve the people, but it portrays a lesser voice of our Chinese communities at the executive level.
- On the perspective of the society, it could be inferred that majority of the Chinese community does not be on the side of the government, which makes Perikatan Nasional having less legitimacy.
- Perikatan Nasional (in the long run) could not allow the division of the Chinese community giving advantage to the opposition. As a legit government, it should also hold the popular vote among the community. PN could not be in a comfort zone having this trend to thrive in the near future.
- The Indian community in general is sidelined in a major discussion of the country. Although by numbers, it shows minimal existence of the Indians, we could not treat the community any less than the Bumiputera and Chinese. Democracy is not only upholding the majority counts, but the duty of the majority is to defend and to shield the minority.
- Ravallion (2019) reporting on Ethnic Inequality and Poverty in Malaysia since May 1969 believes:
“Relative ethnic inequality has fallen, but absolute ethnic inequality has risen. The data do not support the claim that the (absolute) income gap between Malays and Chinese- and Indian-Malaysians has narrowed dramatically; indeed, one might be more inclined to say that the gap has risen dramatically over the longer term.”
- I would argue that the Indian community is critical to be looked into, in terms of economic empowerment and social position in modern Malaysia. They are being beleaguered with poverty, poor education and social malice while Malaysia posits to be a globalised nation.
- As far as ethnic inequality remains on the rise, Malaysia is not ready for a multi-racial party (which based on merits). Race-based parties are still relevant to ease the insecurity of the vulnerable race. Currently, not a single race can be vulnerable free. Malaysians feels insecure of other race, along the process of uniting themselves.
THEREFORE MY PROPOSITION TO PN
First, MCA and MIC need to be strengthened, in gaining more legitimacy among the grass root. It is important that MCA and MIC be seen as the voice of the respective communities in the government’s arm.
Second, Barisan Nasional (BN) should balance the equity of MCA, MIC and other components with UMNO. BN is a coalition entity. If a coalition can be seen as a unity representation of all races within the government, race-based parties would still be relevant and justified. Furthermore, race-based parties exist at preliminary level of politics. When it comes to government setting, BN is the entity to go forward.
Alternatively, BN should be at the active front rather than race-based political parties. Friends of BN and BN Youth Volunteers (BNYV) should be the main drivers (invested monetarily and possessing excellent pool of talent) in steering development agendas of the country. It is best that Friends of BN and BNYV exist as NGO and distant accordingly from politics. Their existence should not be a form of political mileage for BN, but a youth platform of all races.
Third, MCA and MIC should allow inter-race participation in projects that are non-political. In areas of community development and nation building, MCA and MIC need the brains across race and ethnics. Only then talent can be driven in both parties and stimulate pro-active cooperation within. The Malays should join MCA and MIC as allied members.
(Note: I am not proposing allied members for UMNO since this discussion aims to strengthen MCA and MIC as an integral component in BN and PN).
In conclusion, we should manifest “Change in Continuity.” It is coined by Tun Dr. Mahathir when he succeeded as the seventh Prime Minister. ‘Change and Continuity’ posits that general and basic framework of Malaysia remains the same, but modification should happen at its approach and mechanics. Malaysia steadfasts to the fundamental identity of the nation, but allows adjustments in sustaining such fundamental identity.
