Calling for a Malay economy paradigm shift, Mukhriz Mahathir said the economy of the Malays should be on par with other races to enable them to retain their present political power.
"If other races dominate the economy, it will not be impossible for their political power to see a sudden increase.”
In this regard, Mukhriz (left) said, the economy of the Malays must grow in tandem with the country's economy to prevent the economic gap between them and the non-Malays from widening.
Presently, he said, the Malays' economy grew between 2.3 and 2.5 percent compared with the country's 7.0 percent growth.
Mukhriz has made the right noise about a need to restructure the Malay economy. Unfortunately, he has chosen to paint the context in a racial frame.
Is Mukhriz more concern of the Malay economy not contributing enough to overall national economic growth or he is more concern about the growing political power of the non-Malay?
The prime concern should be focused on helping more Malays to occupy the middle class segment of the society, close the intra-community income disparity and enhance their competitiveness.
Hence, a shift of mindset should precede a shift in economy paradigm. The community should lose their sense of helplessness and over dependence on the government. This is easier said that done because politically Umno wants the community to depend on the party for wealth distribution and assistance.
It has the political game of the party. The more the Malays are dependent on the party the higher the likelihood for them to support the party in elections.
It should not take too long for the Malays to realize that their mindset and spirit have been imprisoned by their political masters. A lack of attention and purposeful action taken on the mayhem in Sarawak and the neglect of the poorest 40%, majority of which are Malay & indigenous people all over the country, will expedite the end of such mental tyranny which has kept the community from achieving its fullest potential.
If Mukhriz is seriously concern about his community, he should seek to unleash a mental paradigm shift of the Malays.
2 comments:
With a shift in mental paradigm comes opposition and accountability. The political masters know this.
Once you enlighten the people, then there is a possibility of a revolt unless those in power are willing to either share or relinquish most of their powers.
The price is too large!
It is refreshing that you do not approach this matter as a means to bash these Malays, however idealistic given that both sides are all the time spewing hatred to each other.
John S
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