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My Story: Justice in the Wilderness, Tommy Thomas, barely, if at all, mentions race.
And yet, no less of a figure than Anwar Ibrahim took the time to write an aureate critical book review – in which he (among a number of balanced comments) basically accuses Thomas of racism.
I don’t think it is fruitful for me to try and debate whether or not Thomas is racist. I’m sure he would deny being so, as anyone would.
Instead, I will use this as a case study to try and start a more honest, heart-to-heart discussion about Malaysian racism.
There is no doubt prejudice among some Malays towards non-Malays. Today, however, I will focus on the prejudice among some non-Malays towards Malays.
THE beginning of 2021 marks the end of Vision 2020 - a utopian concept launched in 1991, which imagined all sorts of futures for our nation. Besides technological and economic advancement, one challenge was also mentioned in Vision 2020 - “Creating a united Malaysia with a shared goal”.
Thirty years after the announcement, integration and national cohesion have yet to be fully addressed. Racial sentiments and mutual suspicion continue to create tensions that may explode at any time.
In 2021, we are called to dig deep and see what visions of stronger unity we might be able to offer Malaysians moving forward. In light of this, the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) has put forth the idea of Cosmopolitan Islam as a key pillar in the forging of Bangsa Malaysia, which in turn can be the key pillar and concept in forging national unity. These ideas were discussed at length in the policy speech at Abim’s 49th Annual General Assembly on Dec 26,2020.
Faisal: A Bangsa Malaysia identity does not involve assimilation that dilutes our diverse cultures, but an opportunity to mould an integrated identity that is informed and inspired by the shared values and qualities of all the various ethnicities and cultures in our blessed nation.
MALAYSIA has lost its way.
I don’t think I’m the only one feeling this way, as the year draws to a close.
We are adrift at sea, with no compass or guiding star.
Nowhere is this more true than in our politics. Some trace it back to the Sheraton Move, some to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s latest stint as Prime Minister, and some all the way back to his very first.