Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Anwar D-Day


Today is the supposed D-day, anniversary of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, that Anwar say he is going to form the new government.

And on the news, Anwar said he gotten 31 lawmakers from Barisan Nasional to join his coalition. Abdullah Badawi, the Prime Minister reject that claim.

So everything seemingly stucked in the air somehow.

But I kindda happy, in fact wanted, Malaysia to be headed by Anwar and his non-BN coalition.

Reason : It will mark the end of the Bumiputera Policy

The Malay superiority policies had actually hampered the growth of Malaysia more than the BN government like to believe. And with the UMNO (United Malay National Organisation) looking more and more racist, and their increasingly disregard towards the Chinese and the Indians Malaysians; it had no doubt that one day, this aggression might be directed towards my country: Singapore.

Singapore left the Federation because of the disagreement on the same issue that Malaysia is STILL facing today. 

Malaysian Malaysia or Malay Malaysia?



Mr Lee Kuan Yew's vision of an equality society marked by meritocracy, more or less rejected by the PM of Malaysia then, Abdul Rahman, eventually strived in the little Lion City to the south. While Malaysia pushed itself forward to becoming one of the most looked up to Islamic Country in the world, the social fabric remained very very fragile.

Mainly due to Minister Mentor Lee's power and success that built up over the years, he made calculated potshots at Malaysia's Bumiputera policy; saying that the the attitude of neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia towards Singapore was shaped by the way they treat their own ethnic Chinese minorities.
"Our neighbours both have problems with their Chinese. They are successful. They are hardworking and therefore they are systemically marginalised," he said.

Indonesia and Malaysia "want Singapore, to put it simply, to be like their Chinese — compliant", Lee said.

MM Lee's words seems sinister and very deliberate, perhaps the revenge for expelling of Singapore from Malaysia; but with his influence and power today, he know he can pull it off.

And true enough, Malaysia goes into racial turmoil; not once, but twice. With the local minorities agreeing with MM Lee's words while of course, the main Malay papers and the government condemning it. But the damage is done.

As Malaysia decides their fate during the election just months ago, everything becomes very clear: Malaysian want changes.

What changes exactly i dunno. The minorities definitely rides on the promise of the Pakatan Rakyat's intention to put an end on the Bumiputera Policy, while the Malays, perhaps fed up with the probable corruptions, worsening crime rates as well as Malay Elites dominance through the exploitation of the Bumiputera Policy.

Anwar definitely gains from all these. Anwar had proven during his term in government, good knowledge of economics and seemed to understand that for some long term benefit for the country, short term pains must be endured (Singaporeans are so used to this till we are immune to such pains). He was sent to prison before he can implement his widely opposed plans. Now he is back, and I reckon that Malaysia will grow stronger with him as leader.

A stronger and more prosperous Malaysia will also add on to the growth of Singapore; and of the whole of ASEAN.

Not that i dun not like Badawi, but its just that i dun not like the Bumiputera Policy that is enforced by his party. 

Anwar should be able to succeed in his "change the sky" operation, i guess, no minority in Malaysia would want the disputed policy to continue any longer.

other articles abt Lee Kuan Yew's "accusation":